Fiskars Group Splits for Growth: A New Era of Independence
October 25, 2024, 10:37 am
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Helsinki
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 1649
Fiskars Group is carving a new path. The Finnish company, known for its iconic design-driven brands, is set to separate its two main business areas—Fiskars and Vita—into independent operations. This bold move, effective April 1, 2025, marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy, emphasizing a “brands first” approach.
Fiskars Group is not just trimming the fat; it’s reshaping its entire structure. The split aims to unlock distinct growth opportunities for each business area. Fiskars focuses on gardening, outdoor tools, and kitchenware, while Vita caters to premium tableware and luxury goods. By creating two operationally independent entities, Fiskars Group hopes to enhance flexibility and speed in decision-making.
This transformation is not merely cosmetic. It’s a strategic pivot designed to respond to diverse market demands. Each entity will have its own CEO, allowing for tailored leadership that aligns with specific brand needs. Dr. Steffen Hahn will lead Fiskars, while Nathalie Ahlström, the current President and CEO, will temporarily oversee Vita until a new leader is appointed.
The decision to decentralize is a response to the unique challenges and opportunities each business area faces. Fiskars has a rich history in gardening and outdoor products, while Vita boasts a portfolio of luxury brands like Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen. By separating these operations, Fiskars Group aims to sharpen its focus and drive innovation closer to the consumer.
Cost efficiency is another key driver behind this split. The company anticipates annual savings of approximately EUR 12 million, primarily realized in 2025. However, the transition will not be without its costs. One-off expenses of around EUR 8 million will be incurred as the company navigates this significant change.
The leadership changes reflect this new direction. Christian Bachler, who has been with the company since 2010, will step down from his role as Executive Vice President of Business Area Vita. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for fresh leadership to guide Vita into its next chapter.
Aamir Shaukat, previously Chief Supply Chain Officer, will now serve as Executive Vice President of Group Operations and Sustainability. His experience in driving transformation will be crucial as the company seeks to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. Anna Mindelöf, the Chief People Officer, will also play a vital role in the transition, ensuring that employee engagement remains a priority during this period of change.
Fiskars Group’s journey is not just about restructuring; it’s about revitalizing its brand identity. The company has a storied history, celebrating 375 years of design excellence in 2024. This anniversary serves as a reminder of its commitment to innovation and sustainability. By embracing a decentralized structure, Fiskars Group aims to honor its legacy while positioning itself for future growth.
The split will also bring changes to employee roles and reporting lines. Fiskars Group is committed to working closely with its employees to ensure a smooth transition. The processes will vary by country, but the focus will remain on maintaining open lines of communication.
As Fiskars Group embarks on this new journey, it’s clear that the company is not afraid to adapt. The world of design and consumer goods is ever-evolving, and this strategic separation is a testament to Fiskars Group’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
In a marketplace that demands agility and responsiveness, the ability to pivot is crucial. By separating into two distinct entities, Fiskars and Vita can tailor their strategies to meet the unique needs of their customers. This move is not just about operational efficiency; it’s about creating a more dynamic and responsive organization.
The future looks bright for Fiskars Group. With a renewed focus on its core brands and a commitment to innovation, the company is poised to thrive in a competitive landscape. The separation of its business areas is a bold step forward, one that promises to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.
In conclusion, Fiskars Group is redefining its identity. The separation of Fiskars and Vita is more than a structural change; it’s a strategic evolution. As the company moves forward, it will continue to pioneer design that makes everyday life extraordinary. The journey ahead is filled with potential, and Fiskars Group is ready to embrace it.
Fiskars Group is not just trimming the fat; it’s reshaping its entire structure. The split aims to unlock distinct growth opportunities for each business area. Fiskars focuses on gardening, outdoor tools, and kitchenware, while Vita caters to premium tableware and luxury goods. By creating two operationally independent entities, Fiskars Group hopes to enhance flexibility and speed in decision-making.
This transformation is not merely cosmetic. It’s a strategic pivot designed to respond to diverse market demands. Each entity will have its own CEO, allowing for tailored leadership that aligns with specific brand needs. Dr. Steffen Hahn will lead Fiskars, while Nathalie Ahlström, the current President and CEO, will temporarily oversee Vita until a new leader is appointed.
The decision to decentralize is a response to the unique challenges and opportunities each business area faces. Fiskars has a rich history in gardening and outdoor products, while Vita boasts a portfolio of luxury brands like Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen. By separating these operations, Fiskars Group aims to sharpen its focus and drive innovation closer to the consumer.
Cost efficiency is another key driver behind this split. The company anticipates annual savings of approximately EUR 12 million, primarily realized in 2025. However, the transition will not be without its costs. One-off expenses of around EUR 8 million will be incurred as the company navigates this significant change.
The leadership changes reflect this new direction. Christian Bachler, who has been with the company since 2010, will step down from his role as Executive Vice President of Business Area Vita. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for fresh leadership to guide Vita into its next chapter.
Aamir Shaukat, previously Chief Supply Chain Officer, will now serve as Executive Vice President of Group Operations and Sustainability. His experience in driving transformation will be crucial as the company seeks to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. Anna Mindelöf, the Chief People Officer, will also play a vital role in the transition, ensuring that employee engagement remains a priority during this period of change.
Fiskars Group’s journey is not just about restructuring; it’s about revitalizing its brand identity. The company has a storied history, celebrating 375 years of design excellence in 2024. This anniversary serves as a reminder of its commitment to innovation and sustainability. By embracing a decentralized structure, Fiskars Group aims to honor its legacy while positioning itself for future growth.
The split will also bring changes to employee roles and reporting lines. Fiskars Group is committed to working closely with its employees to ensure a smooth transition. The processes will vary by country, but the focus will remain on maintaining open lines of communication.
As Fiskars Group embarks on this new journey, it’s clear that the company is not afraid to adapt. The world of design and consumer goods is ever-evolving, and this strategic separation is a testament to Fiskars Group’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
In a marketplace that demands agility and responsiveness, the ability to pivot is crucial. By separating into two distinct entities, Fiskars and Vita can tailor their strategies to meet the unique needs of their customers. This move is not just about operational efficiency; it’s about creating a more dynamic and responsive organization.
The future looks bright for Fiskars Group. With a renewed focus on its core brands and a commitment to innovation, the company is poised to thrive in a competitive landscape. The separation of its business areas is a bold step forward, one that promises to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.
In conclusion, Fiskars Group is redefining its identity. The separation of Fiskars and Vita is more than a structural change; it’s a strategic evolution. As the company moves forward, it will continue to pioneer design that makes everyday life extraordinary. The journey ahead is filled with potential, and Fiskars Group is ready to embrace it.