Johan Menckel: “Presence and responsibility shape the way forward”
On 1 April I assume the role of President and CEO of LKAB at a time that is both exciting and demanding for the company.
I have already visited our operations and met many of you. I have seen pride, expertise and a strong sense of commitment. I have also met the concerns and questions that exist in the communities where we operate. Both perspectives are important and must be taken seriously.
LKAB holds a strong position and is entering a period of major decisions, investments and challenges that we must address with clear priorities and a long-term perspective – and we will do so responsibly, together with society, to secure our competitiveness and contribute to the transition. In Kiruna, we must ensure continued mining while the urban transformation continues to affect people’s everyday lives. In Gällivare, we are developing the technology for carbon-free sponge iron. In Luleå, we are building an industrial park for processing critical minerals. These are significant undertakings – for LKAB, for Sweden and for Europe.
We aim to be a company that combines strong business performance with a clear sense of social responsibility. For me, leadership is about being present, listening, creating clarity around priorities. I will spend a great deal of time meeting employees, citizens and decision-makers to understand how our decisions affect daily life – in the mine, at our facilities and in the surrounding communities.
The transition requires both courage and structure, as well as a shared vision. To succeed, we need to execute our core business well – delivering results today while enabling tomorrow. That calls for the right skills, efficient ways of working and a clear sense of direction. We must be willing to prioritise. At the same time, we should remain open to new ideas and draw on the knowledge that exists within the organisation. My responsibility is to create focus, maintain the overall direction when the pace is high, and build on the strong trust that generations have established over more than 130 years.
Our future rests on our strategy, with three clear priorities. We will continue to modernise mining through automation, electrification and digitalisation, to enable safe and efficient mining at greater depths. We will transition our processes to carbon-free production. And we will develop the extraction of critical minerals that are essential for Sweden’s and Europe’s industry and security. At the same time, we must strengthen production stability and manage the demands of community development – above all in Kiruna – while securing long-term profitability through efficient operations and attractive communities.
I am grateful for the welcome I have received. What I have seen so far gives me both energy and a strong sense of responsibility. We will face challenges, and I am confident that by being clear, present and taking responsibility – together – we will meet them successfully.
Johan Menckel, President and CEO, LKAB
