IKEA: The feeling of home in a connected world
"At its best, home is more than just a physical space. It’s where we find comfort, rest, privacy and a sense of belonging. It’s where we can be who we are. It’s where we dream of the future. Home is the feeling that calls us ‘back’ when we are away.
The feeling of home is expanding outside the four walls, and digital aspects play an increasing role in our everyday life. What role can technology have to improve life at home, enable more healthy and sustainable living and make us feel more at home? We will share the latest insights on life at home and discuss how we could embrace tech without overlooking the human needs.".
Speakers
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Evamaria RönnegårdIKEA Global Range Area Manager Bed and Bath textilesEvamaria Rönnegård
IKEA Global Range Area Manager Bed and Bath textiles
Evamaria Rönnegård started at IKEA about 25 years ago after her University degree in business administration and marketing. Since then, Evamaria has had the opportunity to work in many parts of IKEA. She started in Kungens Kurva, IKEA store in Stockholm, but most of her years in IKEA she has held roles related to product development and strategic business direction, such as Product Developer in Kitchen and Dining, Global Business Area Manager of Bedroom and Bathroom and Design Manager in IKEA of Sweden. Evamaria moved to Italy for some years and worked as Deputy Retail Manager, but moved back to Älmhult, the home of the IKEA product offer, where she still lives with her family and work. As Range Area Manager Evamaria is proud to lead the global development of Bed and Bath textiles.
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Björn BlockChief Digital Officer, Range - Inter IKEA GroupBjörn Block
Chief Digital Officer, Range - Inter IKEA Group
Björn Block is the Chief Digital Officer for IKEA Range, with the global responsibility for the digitalization of the IKEA range and integrated value chain, enabling IKEA to be an affordable, sustainable and accessible home furnishing retailer in an omnichannel reality. With his extensive experience and expertise in his field, Björn plays a vital role in advancing the company's goals amidst changing dynamics in the industry and society. Björn is a renowned speaker and acknowledged leader in digitalization and business transformation. Björn joined IKEA in 2012 as a Global Range Manager for the Lighting Business. In the coming years, he led a new initiative developing IKEA’s take on Internet of Things and smart homes, and established a new business for IKEA, named IKEA Home smart. He has also been responsible for the Digital Innovation and has established an innovation network across the different IKEA global businesses. With a background in industrial design, prior to IKEA, Björn spent ten years in the kitchen industry, leading range transformation, development and innovation as Senior Vice President Range for Nobia. With his highly inspirational and passionate leadership, Björn has together with his diverse team established a business lead digitalization journey, merging the IKEA values and life at home knowledge with world class digital expertise and agile ways of working.