This interview with Rickard Ericson is the fifth in a series from #BoydenSweden exploring strengths, challenges, and passions as Managing Partner at Boyden Sweden.
Highly regarded for his expertise in executive search and talent management, Rickard Ericson focuses on helping clients attain their business development goals through strategic recruitment. He has a particularly strong track record of searches for executives and senior managers in the financial, consumer and manufacturing sectors, including cross-border searches and interim engagements. This interview with Rickard Ericson is the fifth in a series from #BoydenSweden exploring strengths, challenges, and passions as Managing Partner at Boyden Sweden.
What attracted you to the recruitment industry?
Rickard: As an executive search consultant, I have the opportunity to participate in the appointment of leaders who make a difference and create value over time for both employees and the company.
How do you develop and strengthen the relationship with candidates?
Rickard: I build a personal and trusting relationship with candidates and maintain close contact throughout the search process. It is also important to politely say ‘no’ to those who are not selected. I believe all candidates who participated in a search should have a positive experience.
What are your specializations and strengths in the recruitment industry?
Rickard: During my 15 years as an executive search consultant, I have worked extensively with assignments within industry. I am impressed by how a small country like Sweden has been able to develop such a large and internationally successful industrial sector.
It’s very exciting to be involved and adding skills to an industry which needs to continue developing. I have also worked extensively with assignments within the insurance industry, which in an interesting way offers a risk elimination that is necessary within both industry and private individuals.
What trends do you see in recruitment?
Rickard: More digital tools that affect the efficiency both within the recruitment process and client dialogue. Manager recruitment through search will continue to have a higher proportion of personal consultancy efforts than recruitment of more operational positions at a lower hierarchical level.
What are you passionate about?
Rickard: I am most passionate about sustainability in all dimensions; economic, social and environmental sustainability. I am convinced that it is not only possible but also necessary to combine economic growth and sustainability. Industrial transition to a sustainable world requires great financial resources and innovation, which can only be generated from successful and profitable companies.
