Get to know our new CEO

We welcome Johan Lilja as the new CEO of GMA. A leader with industrial experience, a wide international network, and a clear vision of what makes both people and businesses grow.

Extensive international experience
Johan Lilja has worked in international business for more than 30 years, often with steel and metals as a common thread. For the past 15 years, he has been active in the mining, drilling, and blasting industry, where he has built a strong understanding of both the market and technology. His work has taken him all over the world, but he has always remained based in Sunne, Sweden – where he has lived since his high school years.

Leadership built on commitment
For Johan, people come first. He wants everyone at GMA to feel that they are an important part of the bigger picture. His leadership is based on presence, curiosity, and the courage to think differently. He describes himself as a leader who prefers to encourage rather than control.

“I want to be present, engaged, and above all, care about the person behind every employee. Authoritarian? Never. That doesn’t really work for me as a person.”

Sports have always played an important role in Johan’s life. From there, he has carried the belief that everyone can grow and find their best self and that the most important thing is to be proud of who you are.

The vision for GMA
In his new role, Johan wants to engage employees and make the most of the competence within the organization. He also sees great opportunities to use his international network to broaden horizons beyond Scandinavia and strengthen GMA’s position in the global market.

The strength of GMA
According to Johan, GMA’s strength lies in its close collaboration with customers and the technical expertise within the company. A customer survey conducted earlier this year showed that fast service, solution-oriented thinking, and the will to help are what customers value most. Knowledge, commitment, and short lead times are the core of GMA’s brand and something he wants to continue building on as CEO.

A driven CEO, both on and off the job.
Outside of work, Johan is just as active as in his professional role. He practices karate, cycles both road and mountain bike, and has restored an old mahogany boat that is now back in use. He also plays the accordion, although as he himself puts it:
“I only bring it out at a really good party.”

A warm welcome to GMA, Johan!