Welcome: Five minutes with Leif Bohlin

Leif Bohlin, CEO, IBX Group AB

How do you feel about taking over the role of CEO?

It’s a great responsibility and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I have a deep relationship with IBX, having joined the company in 2000 as employee number eight! I feel very committed to our long-term strategy. I believe I bring solid experience from the purchasing field combined with a good understanding of IBX’s future challenges and opportunities, both internally and externally.

You have been with IBX since the early days, how have you been involved in the company's development and growth?

I’ve held various roles during the last seven years. My time as Key Account Manager for some of our strategic customers was an extremely interesting period. During the last three years I was responsible for building up IBX Source and expanding this offering globally.

When you take over as CEO on February 1, what will your main focus be?

At the moment, my plan is to keep the company on the same track as it stands now – which means to secure continued growth and increased profitability. We have a fantastic history but, as in all companies, there is always some room for improvement! We are operating in a dynamic market which always adds an extra strategic challenge to our daily work. And of course our fantastic and important customer base will always be a prime focus.

What impact will this have on IBX customers?

They can count on that we will keep our high quality and our customer focus. IBX has a very strong position as Europe’s leading actor within purchasing. We will continue to strengthen and develop that position, which translates into organic growth and focus on business development.

What do you enjoy about working at IBX and about the purchasing industry?

I think IBX’s strongest asset is our people and the competence we have in the organization. Combined with our business model, this makes IBX a unique player. I have been in the purchasing industry in various roles and positions since I started my career at Saab Automobile. Almost every day I’m fascinated by how many dimensions and strategic challenges this industry has, and I’m fully convinced we have only seen the start of the global transformation of this industry.

Where do you see IBX in 3-5 years time?

We will have strengthened our position as a leading player within purchasing by supporting corporations with their purchasing transformation and we have grown substantially as a company.

Small fact box:
Name: Leif Bohlin
Age: 40
Nationality: Swedish
Family: Married, three children.
Education: Master of Science in Business Administration and Economics, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Career: Joined IBX in 2000 and current head of IBX Consulting; seven years as a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton and AT Kearney; various purchasing positions within Saab Automobile/ General Motors.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, hunting, skiing.
How would you describe yourself: Ambitious, team-orientated and results-driven
Ambition for IBX: To be a world leader within purchasing solutions.

IBX Group AB

As a pioneer in the field of e-purchasing, IBX delivers measurable impact to client’s bottom lines through its comprehensive Efficient Purchasing framework. IBX serves blue chip corporations globally through proven purchasing expertise, with a high value supplier network and best of breed e-sourcing and e-procurement technology. The company enables its customers to generate sustainable cost savings through better spend visibility, increased spend under management and contract compliance. IBX offices are located in Stockholm (HQ), Antwerp, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Milan, Oslo, Oxford and Paris.