Flokk, a European manufacturer of office seating, has announced the appointment of Henning Karlsrud, currently CFO with the company, as new CEO. Henning Karlsrud replaces Lars I. Røiri, who after a 26-year career at Flokk, assumes the role of Chair of the Flokk Board.
'As the owner of Flokk, we are excited to announce Henning as the new CEO. We would like to extend our gratitude to Lars and are pleased that he has accepted the role as Chair of the Flokk Board. Lars has been instrumental in developing Flokk into a market leader in the office seating industry, and we look forward to continuing developing Flokk together. Further we would like to honour the work and efforts of Mikael Aro, who will be handing over the Chairman role to Lars. Mikael's solid industrial experience and steady hand on the wheel has been an important contribution to Flokk's growth and expansion,' states Thomas Hofvenstam, Managing Partner at Triton.
Henning Karlsrud and Lars I. Røiri.
Following a strong growth trajectory over many years, Flokk achieved record-breaking results in 2023, with revenues of NOK 3,826 million, alongside a 15 percent increase in adjusted operational EBITA, reaching NOK 634 million. Under Lars I. Røiri's more than two decades of leadership the company has been transformed from a Scandinavian niche player to a leading international office seating specialist through both organic growth and acquisitions. After an initial phase of Scandinavian consolidation, Flokk has since 2015 acquired eight new brands growing in Continental Europe and the US, strengthening its portfolio.
In 2024 the company is furthermore a sustainability pioneer within in its industry and a recognised innovation leader. Flokk is owned by the European Private Equity firm Triton, which acquired the company in 2014.
Henning Karlsrud joined Flokk in March 2021, having previously held the CFO role at the telecommunications company Ice Group. He holds a master's degree from the Norwegian School of Economics and has extensive financial and strategy experience from several companies, including Telenor and The Boston Consulting Group.
Lars I. Røiri states: 'After 23 years as CEO and having accomplished the strategic transformation of Flokk together with Triton, I believe this is the perfect time for a CEO transition. Having worked closely with Henning for several years, I am convinced he is the right person. I am excited to continue our partnership and move Flokk to the next level together.'
'I am honoured to be asked to head Flokk, a company that I have come to love since joining. We have taken a leadership position in Europe, secured a strong foothold in the US which is expected to constitute a third of the revenues in 2024, and are further exploring exciting opportunities in emerging markets. We have an excellent foundation from which to continue our profitable growth, both organically and through targeted M&A. I will do my best to execute on these opportunities together with the organisation and our owners,' says Henning Karlsrud
More information:
Flokk
[email protected]
www.flokk.com