news Archives - Optilon

Optilon announces the appointment of Mikael Ahlström as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking the start of the company’s next phase of strategic growth. The transition follows more than fifteen years of close collaboration, during which Mikael has served as a trusted advisor to the board and leadership team.

With a rare combination of deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and a holistic strategic perspective, Mikael Ahlström steps into the role at a time when supply chain, AI-driven planning, and resilient operations are becoming increasingly important for Nordic companies.

Before joining Optilon, Mikael served as CEO of Net Result AB and Director of Business Development at Know IT. He also founded United Vanning, a consultancy focused on architecture and implementation for complex business and IT environments. Most recently, he held the CIO role at Stabelo, where he helped build and refine their development processes and platforms.

As part of the transition, former CEO Richard Barkevall will remain within the company at a strategic capacity. After more than two decades leading Optilon’s development and customer-facing work, Richard will continue contributing to areas such as partnerships, innovation, and the further evolution of Optilon’s supply chain offering.

Richard Barkevall comments:
— Over the past 20 years, Optilon has evolved from a value-added reseller and consulting-focused business into a company that also develops its own software and platforms. As supply chain has become increasingly strategic and technology-driven, this feels like a natural moment to hand over the CEO role. I’m very proud of what we have built together and pleased to welcome Mikael as the next CEO. With his deep experience in product development and technology-led transformation, he is exceptionally well suited to lead Optilon into its next phase. Going forward, I’m excited to continue supporting the company by sharing my long-term perspective, experience, and energy—working closely with teams, customers and partners as Optilon continues to grow.

Mikael Ahlström comments:
— Supply chain has moved from an operational concern to a board-level priority. Optilon is uniquely positioned at the intersection of strategy, technology, and execution, and I’m excited to lead the company into its next phase. Our focus will be on helping customers build resilient, data-driven supply chains—combining world-class expertise with modern platforms and AI-enabled planning.

The appointment underlines Optilon’s commitment to providing independent, best-in-class solutions for supply chain management—supporting organizations in building resilient, data-driven, and future-proof supply chains.

Mikael Ahlström assumed his role as CEO on January 3, 2026.

Download full press release as PDF:
Optilon appoints Mikael Ahlström as new CEO.

About Optilon
Optilon is a leading independent supply chain partner with over 20 years of experience. The company specializes in identifying, selecting, and integrating the best solutions to optimize supply chain strategies. With over 1,000 completed projects for 200+ clients, Optilon continues to drive innovation and efficiency in supply chain management. Learn more at www.optilon.com.

For further questions and inquiries, please contact:

Mikael Ahlström
CEO, Optilon
Phone: +46 766 080 048
E-mail: mikael.ahlstrom@optilon.com

Richard Barkevall
Senior Advisor, Optilon
Phone: +46 709 379 280
E-mail: richard.barkevall@optilon.com

The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is transforming how global supply chains account for their carbon footprint. For companies with any upstream activity touching the EU, either directly through exports or indirectly through materials embedded in products, CBAM is no longer a distant policy issue. It is becoming an operational requirement starting next year.

What exactly is CBAM, and why now?

CBAM is the EU’s new system for pricing the carbon emissions embedded in certain imported goods. It complements the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) by ensuring that foreign producers face a similar carbon cost as EU manufacturers.

In other words, if you want to sell carbon-intensive products into the EU, you must disclose their emissions and pay a carbon price if those emissions exceed certain benchmarks.

Why CBAM matters for supply chains

1. Trade flow optimization

Expect shifts in sourcing:

Low-carbon producers gain an advantage
High-emission exporters may lose access to EU markets
Some suppliers may begin relocating part of production to regions with cleaner energy mixes

2. Procurement costs will change

CBAM effectively acts as a carbon surcharge on high-emission products.

Procurement teams must model:

Carbon-adjusted landed cost
Supplier switching scenarios
Credit for foreign carbon taxes
Long-term price competitiveness of low-carbon materials

3. Data transparency becomes mandatory

Supply chains must now trace production emissions for materials that previously moved freely without environmental disclosure.

This introduces:

New data-sharing requirements
Standardized emissions reporting formats
Need for third-party verification

How can Optilon help your organization maintain or increase competitiveness?

Naturally, your compliance department will get some additional work. Beyond that, we are looking at a world where certain trade routes of goods will have a change in cost. This may lead to a series of secondary consequences that may be tricky to overview without taking a serious approach to how an organization’s supply chain looks.

As an example, an increase in costs from non-EU countries may make it more cost-efficient to utilize different trade routes, which in turn may introduce new needs for consolidation or de-consolidation points in the supply chain network. Other suppliers may become more competitive in relative terms, opening completely new sourcing alternatives. If you are a company using co-load setups, this could also be affected.

One way to investigate how such events or adjustments in complex global supply chains impact organizations is by making use of Network Design methodology. This is a methodology where organizations charter digital representations of their supply chains on a relevant level of detail with the goal of understanding how adjustments impact the current or future supply chain network.

A key component when engaging in network design is the use of scenario planning. This is particularly useful when investigating a series of different what-if scenarios and to ensure that results are not too sensitive to change (such as a change in demand). A scenario-driven approach in network design is an excellent way to explore what could be the optimal supply chain design.

Optilon helps companies to establish this capability, and we work with customers at different degrees of engagement, such as advising, model building, change management, and operational execution.

Want to know more about how CBAM could impact your business? Book a meeting with us today!

Twenty years ago, Optilon was founded with a simple yet ambitious idea: to help companies plan smarter, work better, and grow more sustainably. Today, that mission remains just as strong, powered by two decades of experience and the people who make it all happen.

Earlier this year, Optilon marked the start of the 20-year anniversary – read the article here.

To continue the celebrations, Optilon presents The Optilon Journey, a three-part film series that takes viewers behind the scenes of the company’s evolution, from its early days to the innovations shaping its future.

Part 1 – How it all started

How does an idea grow into a company that transforms an industry? The first episode revisits Optilon’s beginnings, the vision, the challenges, and the determination that built the foundation for everything that followed.

Part 2 – Shaping the industry

How do bold choices turn into lasting impact? This is the story where viewers meet the people and projects that helped position Optilon as one of the leading supply chain partners in the Nordics. Through personal stories and expert insights, it explores how collaboration, technology, and strategy can drive real change.

Part 3 – The people and the future

What drives innovation over decades? From AI and automation to bold ambitions and workplace culture, the final chapter looks ahead to the technologies and shared purpose that will define the next 20 years. Because at Optilon, it’s people who power progress.

As Optilon celebrates two decades in business, the focus remains clear: to help companies become the most competitive in the world through supply chain – while continuing to build a workplace where people thrive, grow, and make a difference.

Learn more about how Optilon’s journey began and evolved over the past 20 years on our history page – or discover how we can help your company strengthen its supply chain performance by talking to one of our experts.

Big congratulations to the talented team from Stockholm Riding Club, who secured a bronze medal at the Swedish Championships in Eventing! With strong performances across all three disciplines, the riders demonstrated both skill and determination. The club’s second team also impressed with a solid eighth-place finish.

Eventing combines dressage, show jumping, and cross country, a sport that takes focus, strategy, and passion. The same mindset drives Optilon’s work, which makes this partnership feel like a perfect match.

Jens Stenquist, VP Sales & Marketing at Optilon, says:

— “We’re incredibly proud to sponsor this talented group of riders. No matter the weather, schoolwork, or how their day’s been, they show up – for their horses and for each other. Their teamwork and spirit are truly inspiring, and that’s exactly what Optilon wants to celebrate.”

The bronze medal is a well-deserved recognition of the team’s dedication and effort as they have turned months of hard work into a podium finish. Looking ahead, Optilon is proud to have supported their journey and excited to see what comes next.

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At the Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025, industry leaders gathered to tackle the realities of todays challenges. In a time of global uncertainty and rapid change, the conference focused on how resilient, agile, and smart supply chains can drive future success in a world of Business as Unusual.

A highlight of this year’s event was the launch of the Optilon Spotlight, a new initiative created to recognize and celebrate outstanding customer achievements. Spotlight highlights real journeys of transformation, showing how companies are turning challenges into opportunities through innovation, collaboration, and mindset.

This year, three companies were awarded for their remarkable accomplishments:

Global Impact Award – IKEA

Recognized for a planning transformation that improved precision, scalability, and efficiency. Their advice to others: “Always think across four dimensions, process, tools, people, and technology. One cannot work without the others, and change management is key.”

Design for Growth Award – Synsam

Honored for moving from fragile Excel-based planning to a robust replenishment system. Reflecting on their journey, they said: “Before, we were nervous if the Excel-macro was going to work or not. Thats where we decided to contact Optilon and we got this new system SO99+, which has been a great journey for us.”

Long-term Partnership Award – Thule

Celebrated for nearly two decades of collaboration with Optilon. Looking back, they highlighted a major shift: “The biggest impact has been changing our mindset, moving from only focusing on forecasts to looking holistically at inventory, service levels, and availability for our customers.”

Together, Synsam, IKEA, and Thule show how businesses can turn challenges into opportunities, and how the right mix of innovation, collaboration, and mindset creates long-term impact.

Want to experience more from the event?

Watch the full Spotlight Award video
Explore the conference photo gallery
See what others thought about the event.

Explore the full recap here!

On September 4th, 2025, more than 300 supply chain professionals gathered at Berns in Stockholm for this year’s Optilon Supply Chain Conference. With our theme “Business as Unusual”, we discovered how to keep up and stay ahead in a world where the unexpected is the new normal.

The day was filled with inspiring keynotes, practical insights, and a matchmaking segment where we had the opportunity to discuss both future challenges and opportunities in the industry, as Optilon celebrated 20 years of supply chain.

In case you weren’t there, here’s a look back at the conference highlights!

A milestone year

This year’s conference was extra special. Marking 20 years of Optilon, we reflected not only on how supply chains have evolved but also on the challenges and opportunities ahead. With global disruptions, AI breakthroughs, and sustainability demands reshaping the industry, the Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025 offered fresh perspectives on how to thrive in a world where change is constant.

Key takeaways from the day

The day began with breakfast to keep the participants energized for the day ahead. Soon after, our moderator Sabinije von Gaffke took the stage and introduced the lineup of keynote speakers.

First up was Marcus Wandt, an ESA astronaut who shared his story from the Muninn Mission to the International Space Station, which really set the tone of the entire day.

Josefin Aspegren and Jonatan Westberg from Essve showed us how they bridged the gap between sales and supply chain. By working more data-driven and collaboratively, Essve found a balance between growth, efficiency, and customer service while boosting return on investment.

Madelén Frykman from Uddeholm talked about how the steel manufacturer is using production optimization to drive both sustainability and competitiveness. Her session highlighted the power of operational excellence in achieving climate goals.

Anders Björnsson and Simon Panai Ersbo from Alfa Laval shared how they use supply chain network optimization to stay resilient in uncertain times. By testing different scenarios, they can balance service, cost, and capital while preparing for disruptions.

Jan Blomgren from INBEx, explored a critical question: Will the rise of artificial intelligence increase or reduce global energy consumption? His session challenged participants to consider how renewable energy and digital transformation will interact in the years ahead.

The final keynote was delivered by Frida Stranne, Associate Professor of Peace and Development Studies, and one of Sweden’s leading experts on U.S. politics and foreign policy. This keynote looked past the headlines and political drama to explore the deeper shifts reshaping America and the consequences this holds for the international landscape.

Optilon Spotlight

A new feature this year was the Optilon Spotlight, a celebration created to inspire and showcase real customer journeys. During the conference, we presented three awards: the Design for Growth Award to Synsam, the Global Impact Award to IKEA, and the Long-term Partnership Award to Thule.

Each award told a story of how these companies are driving supply chain excellence in their own way. Synsam for daring to rethink its business model and designing a supply chain built for growth. IKEA for creating a true global impact through innovation and scale. And Thule, for nurturing a strong partnership with Optilon that has lasted for more than a decade. These stories highlight how smart thinking and bold action can create meaningful impact within the supply chain.

Matchmaking and networking

The conference also featured matchmaking sessions, giving participants the chance to network with other supply chain professionals. Those interested in learning more about topics such as S&OP, Production, or Supply Chain Design were able to discuss these topics with Optilon experts.

Keep an eye out

If you missed the conference or want to share it with someone, we have gathered all the inspiring keynote presentations and photos, which will be launched soon! Follow us on LinkedIn to be the first to know when they go live.

Download full press release as PDF:Optilon appoints Mikael Ahlström as new CEO.