WHY?
Why leadership matters
Leadership is a decisive force in times of change.
The world is changing rapidly and many organizations find themselves in the middle of major transformations. In times of change, leadership becomes a crucial force for driving development forward. Those who fail to adapt risk losing their competitiveness — but the right leadership can create both direction and security.
Leading through change is a complex challenge that requires both strategic understanding and the ability to bring people along. It requires clear, inspiring and sustainable leadership that can turn visions into reality.
WHO?
Who can win?
A person who has successfully led a team or an organization through change.
The Leadership prize is awarded to a person who has successfully led a team or an organization through change. The winner has not only taken the operation from point A to point B, but has also ensured that people, processes and ideas work together in an effective way.
A strong leader understands that it is not about change for the sake of change, but about creating real value. Through their leadership, the winner has contributed to developing the operation in a sustainable, inclusive and strategic way.
CRITERIA
What defines the award
The fundamental criteria for nomination.
Connection to Sweden
The person or the solution must have a strong connection to Sweden through place of residence, development or another clear link.
Societal benefit
The work must have a positive impact on society or the environment.
Ethics and sustainability
The solution must meet high ethical standards and promote sustainable development.
Current work
Nominees must have been active in the area during the past year.
Note
Employees of SAAB cannot be nominated.
HALL OF FAME
Previous winners
Since 2021, The Grand Prize for Engineering in Leadership has celebrated leaders who, through clarity, inspiration and strategic ability, have driven successful transformation journeys.
Featured winner · 2025 · 2025
Donna Hanafi, Spotify
Presented by Fellowmind
In her roles at Spotify, Tictail and Mentimeter, Donna Hanafi has built product teams that deliver innovation and value, but also cultures where gender equality and openness about mental health are natural parts of the work. The jury highlights her combination of technical competence, strategic perspective and a strong commitment to diversity.
She is a role model for the engineering leadership of the future — where technology and people go hand in hand.
2024
Stina Linderoth, Aurobay
Presented by Fellowmind
Visionary leadership that has transformed a complex digital structure. Stina Linderoth has led her team through an extensive digital transformation, in which more than 600 applications have been reworked to create an efficient and sustainable IT infrastructure. By promoting collaboration and innovation, she has inspired her team to see opportunities where others see obstacles.
2023
Olof Johansson, Trafikverket
Presented by Fellowmind
A leader who simplifies digitalization and engages an entire industry. Through his work, Olof Johansson has been a key person in the digitalization of the infrastructure sector. By driving dialogue, building understanding and creating engagement, he has inspired both internally and externally, and has been a strong advocate for digital transformation throughout society.
2022
Marie Brattberg, Recorded Future
Presented by Försvarsmakten
Empathetic leadership that creates security and development. In her role as Chief Strategy Officer at Recorded Future, Marie Brattberg has shown how openness, responsibility and a focus on results can build strong organizations. She leads almost 900 employees globally and inspires her teams to reach their full potential.
2021
Karin Hagren, King
Presented by Solita
Curiosity, structure and culture-building in an international context. In her leadership role at King, Karin Hagren has shown how a coaching and exploratory style of leadership can strengthen organizations. She has created a learning culture where change is seen as an opportunity and where agile work is a natural part of the organization.