"Svekon is a prosperous company with a stable leadership, which has a positive influence throughout the entire organization"
With a passion for outdoor activities and a solid background in mechanical engineering and construction, he now takes the step as a group manager in the defense and security department. Additionally, he assumes the role of the chief project manager for Svekon’s long-awaited tracked vehicle project. Meet Svekon’s new rising star, Rikard Eriksson.
What does your new role at Svekon entail?
– The role involves managerial responsibility for one of the groups within ’Defense & Security,’ but I was also hired to be the chief project manager for the replacement of the power unit on Bandvagn 206/208 for FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces. The procurement concerns 800 tracked vehicles, with an option for more, so it’s a very large project.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
– After completing my education in Mechanical Engineering at KTH, I spent 5 years as a designer in ventilation technology before specializing in the development of cooling systems for industrial and Off-Highway machinery over the following 18 years. For the past 15 years, I have been responsible for development and R&D activities in the role of Technical Manager within two different companies but with the same product portfolio.
What sparked your interest in technology?
– Interest in technology has always been there, not least through a very handy father, working with hands-on tasks like fixing cars, building, etc. It was a natural step to study Mechanical Engineering and delve into the field of technology.
How did you end up at Svekon?
– Svekon has been a supplier to previous companies I worked for for many years, so the company has been familiar. A few years ago, I also served as a reference for a colleague who started at Svekon and still works there. It felt like a natural step to reach out to Svekon when it was time to change jobs and see what opportunities were available. A great opportunity arose, and that’s how it happened.
What attracted you to Svekon?
– Above all, it was the company’s great expertise in technology development, the company culture, and the personnel that attracted me. It’s a prosperous company with stable leadership, which has a positive influence throughout the entire organization.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
– I look forward to continuing Svekon’s development within Defense & Security together with the team I am responsible for and supporting in the current geopolitical situation. It’s also very exciting to project manage one of Svekon’s largest projects together with our partners.
How has your initial time at Svekon been?
– The initial period has been very intense but incredibly exciting. Coming into the business right at the start of a multi-year procurement has been challenging but also very stimulating. Excellent employees and partners create the best conditions for success in the project.
Do you have any dream projects?
– No specific dream projects other than stimulating tasks in interesting areas. It’s always fun to delve into new areas.
What do you do when you’re not working?
– In my spare time, I engage in everything from boating, motorcycling, skiing (as much as possible), hiking, playing the guitar, and much more. I also have two daughters who take their fair share of life in various activities.
