SKF's Strategic Redesign of Industrial Organization
On September 24, 2025,
SKF, a leading global supplier of bearings and seals, revealed significant changes to its industrial business structure aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and promoting profitable growth. This strategic redesign is set to be implemented immediately, showcasing SKF's commitment to adapt its business operations to meet market demands effectively.
New Organizational Structure
As part of the changes, SKF will merge its Operations and Commercial Excellence functions into a singular entity. This integration aims to create a more streamlined approach that encourages better alignment and governance across the entire value chain. By simplifying structures, SKF seeks to foster quicker execution of strategies on a regional basis, ultimately resulting in improved service and performance for customers.
In addition, the business area known as Independent and Emerging Businesses will be discontinued. Its components will be reorganized under a new umbrella called Specialized Industrial Solutions. This move is designed to consolidate SKF’s focus on its core industrial sectors, thus allowing the company to tailor its strategies to specific business and market needs.
Rickard Gustafson, SKF's President and CEO, emphasized the importance of these changes in his statement: "As the separation of the Automotive business progresses, we have the opportunity to adapt our set-up for the Industrial business. This is a natural next step in our strategic journey, and with clearer and more efficient structures, we will strengthen both our strategic and commercial capabilities."
Leadership Changes
The restructuring brings about notable changes in SKF's Group Management.
Hans Landin, previously the Senior Vice President of Group Commercial Excellence Bearings, has been appointed to lead the newly formed organization of stand-alone businesses. He will take on the role of President of Specialized Industrial Solutions.
Meanwhile,
Joakim Landholm, who was serving as Senior Vice President of Group Operations and Chief Sustainability Officer, will transition to become Senior Vice President of Commercial and Operations Development. Additionally,
Susanne Larsson, Senior Vice President and CFO, will now also take on the responsibilities of Chief Sustainability Officer alongside her current duties.
Former President of Independent and Emerging Businesses,
Thomas Fröst, will step down from Group Management but remain available in an advisory capacity during the transitional phase.
Looking Ahead
The essence of this revamped organizational framework is to sharpen SKF's industrial focus, aiming to enhance not only the company’s operational strengths but also the value it provides to its customers. Gustafson concluded by expressing gratitude towards Thomas Fröst for his contributions over the years and extended his best wishes for Fröst's future endeavors.
With these strategic changes in place, SKF is looking to solidify its standing in the industrial sector and accelerate progress, focusing on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
In a landscape that is ever-evolving, such organizational agility will likely serve SKF well as it navigates the complexities of the global market.
For further information about SKF’s redesign and its implications, the company encourages inquiries through its press relations or investor relations channels.
Contacts:
- - Press Relations: Carl Bjernstam, +46 31-337 2517
- - Investor Relations: Sophie Arnius, +46 31-337 8072
SKF’s strategic redesign not only signals a robust approach to fortifying its business resilience but also reflects a larger trend in the industrial sector where adaptability is paramount for sustainable growth.