When Tony Wester, with over two decades in the fashion industry, was given the opportunity to take on an assignment at Ekoligens via Nordic Interim, it was a step straight into a new world and at the same time a step towards the future. Today, he leads the company, intending to replace single-use plastics with sustainable products made from cellulose.
From retail to sustainability
Tony has a broad background in fashion, and he spent much of his career at Gant, where he started as a salesman and advanced via store and B2B roles to become CEO of the Swedish subsidiary. “Gant was a fantastic school. I had the opportunity to grow, take responsibility and work in an international environment where we were constantly developing the business.”
Gant was followed by roles as CEO of WESC during a transformation, and as sales manager at Indiska after the company’s reconstruction. He was then responsible for the Nordic and Baltic operations for Scotch & Soda, where he built both the offices and the showrooms.
“After that, I felt it was time for a new challenge. How can I contribute outside the traditional retail world?” he says.
A new direction at Ekoligens
When Tony was contacted by Nordic Interim and Ekoligens, a genuine interest was awakened. “I met Markus Larin (board member and representing Nordic Paper, one of the investors,) saw the product and immediately felt that ”this is something completely different”. Sustainability focus was central, and the company was facing a commercialisation. I wanted to be a part of that.”
His initial assignment as interim CEO began in August 2024 and lasted until the end of the year, when the role transitioned to a permanent position.
“We needed to structure the commercialisation, review the organisation, establish production and at the same time manage customer dialogues and day-to-day operations. It was an intense and educational period.”
New technology, new opportunities
Ekoligen’s unique technology is based on dry forming of cellulose, which is an energy-efficient alternative to traditional plastic production. The company has a patent on its production process and collaborates with Filippa K, ETON and Nikben, among others, which all have a strong focus on sustainability. “This is the first time I’ve worked with production from scratch, and the entire value chain from material purchase to finished product. I learn something new every day and depend on my very talented colleagues.”
Executive Interim Management as a tool for development
Tony emphasises the value of engaging an Executive Interim Manager with experience from another industry: “The recruitment industry often thinks too narrow. Here, Ekoligens got the chance to test me, and I got to test the company – with a clear goal that it could become permanent if it worked. It became a safe and effective way forward. Cecilia Brinck at Nordic Interim has been absolutely fantastic. Professional, responsive and incredibly committed throughout the process, from dialogue and agreement to follow-up. I have felt very well taken care of.”
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In his spare time, he likes to relax with TV series, preferably Succession, Band of Brothers or something by Taylor Sheridan, who is a favourite at the moment and who has made many good series such as Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Sons of Anarchy and Yellowstone. When there is time, he loves to play paddle, travelling and spending time with loved ones.