As the tradition goes, MEKO recognises excellence within the organisation at its annual Awards ceremony. For 2023, BilXtra, Mekonomen Company, and Sørensen og Balchen were awarded for impressive strides and notable achievements. “MEKO is proud of its resilience even in tougher times and is keen to celebrate this,” said Anders Oxelström, Director of Communications.
Before Christmas, MEKO arranged its annual management conference in the outskirts of Stockholm, gathering people from across its branches in Northern Europe. As many times before, a particular emphasis was put on the prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating operational, organizational, and commercial excellence within the group.
This year, there were stand-out nominees in each category. In the end, however, Carl-Johan Åström, CEO of Mekonomen Company Sweden; Geir Hoff, CEO/Country Manager of Mekonomen Norway; and Morten Birkeland, CEO of Sørensen og Balchen, were called up to the stage to pick up the awards.
“For several years, their unwavering commitment to consistent execution on strategic goals has not only fostered substantial growth but has also significantly contributed to the enhanced profitability of our organization.
They exemplify excellence in driving initiatives that align seamlessly with our overarching strategy. Building on last year’s impressive results, they’re in the process of delivering further revenue growth and a solid margin that significantly contributes to the overall business area’s EBIT-margin for 2023.
Please join me in congratulating BilXtra within Mekonomen Company.”
“Their exemplary execution of a well-crafted plan, challenging the existing structure, hasn’t only led to enhanced profitability but has also set a new standard for strategic transformation. The team has demonstrated exceptional leadership in navigating change, fostering a resilient culture, and successfully steering the organization towards a more profitable future. They’re ready to hit a homerun in the next big leap.
Without further ado, let's applaud and recognize Mekonomen Company Norway.”
“Their bold decision to shift focus to new customer groups during challenging times has showcased remarkable courage. This pivotal shift has also been instrumental in reclaiming revenue growth and ensuring sustained profitability. This street-smart team has skilfully navigated this transition, demonstrating strategic wisdom and resilience in the face of change. Their commitment to adaptation and success makes them a standout candidate.”
In the spotlight today, we honor Sørensen og Balchen.”
Joakim Wickholm has built his career on extensive experience in corporate groups and a passion for using IT as a driving force for business development. He thrives in change-driven environments and with colleagues from all parts of the world. ”We aim high, move fast, and continuously evolve—there’s never a dull moment”, he says.
With a strong focus on commercial vehicle workshops – MEKO’s most important customer group today – the company is now launching a dedicated division to accelerate growth in a market full of potential. MEKO is taking a major step into the commercial vehicle sector with the launch of a powerful new division. The initiative is led by Nils Hollmann, who brings over 15 years of industry experience.“We’re now increasing our pace in a fragmented market, but one that is also full of opportunity – both for MEKO and everyone who owns, operates, repairs or maintain commercial vehicles,” says Hollmann.
Tires are one of the most critical factors for safety, comfort, and performance in a vehicle. With the right tires, car owners can both improve driving comfort and enhance road safety. Tires are also a strategically important product with significant growth opportunities and potential for upselling. This is why MEKO invests heavily in tires, including a multi-year agreement with Goodyear, one of the world's largest and most renowned tire manufacturers.