Going global in more ways than one

Career path

Olof might be regarded as a master for working with people older and more senior than him. So far, on the executive level, the only person younger than him is the new chief finance officer. "It's the first time in my life there's an executive (in the company) who is younger than me," said Olof.

Just before leading Sandvik, he served for five years as president and CEO of SSAB, a Sweden-based international company specializing in processing raw materials into steel.

With an education background in both science and business administration, he became the marketing manager of a stainless steel company in 1997, only a year after graduating from university.

"I don't have a strong age focus. If you are young leaders, the people senior and older than you are advisers. You should be a listener," he said. "As a good leader, you should have a good vision, good strategy, bring energy to your team, inspire people around you and let them shoulder responsibilities."

Olof's father is Swedish and has a small business. His mother emigrated to the United States in 1956 from Hungary and then to Sweden, which might account for his inclusive character.

Olof has three boys aged 10, 8 and 6. "There is much hard work to do at home but I enjoy it," he said.

Q+A | Olof Faxander

liujie@chinadaily.com.cn