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J.P. Morgan

Corporate Member Introduction

Bela Szabados
Vice President,
Multinational Corporations 
Susan Walker
​​​​​​​Vice President,
Multinational Corporations

What is J.P. Morgan?

J.P. Morgan is a leader in commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management, and investment banking. We serve millions of customers and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Our Purpose is to Make Dreams Possible for everyone, everywhere, every day.

Why did you join SACC Chicago?

We find our partnership with the Swedish community to be invaluable. Many of our corporate clients are also members of the SACC, and we love learning more about Swedish culture to better connect with our clients. SACC Chicago puts on wonderful networking events to further expand our connections in the Swedish community in Illinois, and partner with Swedish companies expanding into the U.S.
Jane Noelker
​​​​​​​Associate,
Multinational Corporation
Axel Sjoberg
Senior Associate,
​​​​​​​Private Bank

What Makes J.P. Morgan Unique on the American market?

We have highly specialized groups to best fit our clients' needs at J.P. Morgan. Jane Noelker, Bela Szabados, and Susan Walker are Bankers on the Multinational Corporations ("MNC") team in Commercial Banking.
J.P. Morgan's MNC team has worked with the U.S. subsidiaries of foreign-owned companies for over 50 years and understands the unique characteristics that differ from US-headquartered companies. As a firm, our financial strength and our size affords us the ability to offer a breadth of products and services.
  • Over 90 MNC bankers in 30 cities across the U.S.
  • More than 3,100 relationships with multinational corporations in the U.S.
  • Work with parent companies from more than 30 countries.
​​​​​​​Axel Sjoberg is a Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Axel partners closely with highly successful individuals and families, offering thoughtful wealth management advice to help optimize the entirety of their financial lives. As a Swedish citizen, he specializes on advising families with cross-border financial interests, assisting his clients in crafting and committing to comprehensive wealth plans across investments, banking, lending, insurance, trusts and estate planning, and philanthropy.

Arkobaleno

Corporate Member Introduction

Gustav Enquist
Founder & Travel Guide

What is Arkobaleno?

Arkobaleno means rainbow in Italian and is a boutique travel agency offering exclusive cultural trips to Europe beyond the beaten path and behind the scenes, giving our guests (both individuals and corporate) a unique experience to enjoy culture, history, arts, sports, music, foods and drinks. All trips are led by much experienced travel guide Gustav Enquist and professional hostess and networker Nilla Holmberg. The company has been around for about a decade.
Nilla Holmberg
Founder & Hostess

What is The Great Swedish Tour 2024

The next grand offering from Arkobaleno is a 20-day once-in-a-lifetime Swedish adventure in September, 2024 – The Great Swedish Tour. Never before has there been a trip so comprehensive and immerse in terms of what we offer our guests to experience. Through our extensive network, we have sought out the very best our country has to offer - containing everything one could wish for.

What makes Arkobaleno unique in the Chicago market? 

Unlike the vast majority of travel agencies on the market, we really do work on a small scale specialized in European trips. All hotels, restaurants, museums and such are always scouted, tasted and visited in advance by Gustav and Nilla. We know the history, the cultures, speak the languages and have many partners and friends around Europe that all enable us to meet very specific requests. We know our clients on a personal level, and often work under the radar with high discretion.

Why did you join SACC Chicago? 

For The Great Swedish Tour 2024, we are searching for the very right guests and many Swedish descendants live in and around Chicago. For our other projects, we strongly believe there are both individuals and companies with a desire to go to Europe and truly experience it. SACC Chicago is a passionate and great platform for connecting with our future guests and clients.

Trustonic

Business Member Introduction

Carl Källén
General Manager - SITIC

What is Trustonic?

Trustonic helps mobile operators, retailers and financial institutions make smartphones more accessible and affordable globally. In the automotive industry, we partner with automakers and tier ones to secure hardware and expand digital services,
ensuring integrity through security.

When were you founded and what types of clients do you serve?

Trustonic was founded in 2012 from three industry giants: ARM, Thales and G&D. Now owned by the private equity firm EMK, we have become the world’s leading Mobile Device Locking Technology company, managing commercial risk and protecting against fraud and theft and we principally service the AUTOMOTIVE and TELECOMMUNICATIONS industries.

Why did you join SACC Chicago?

I served on the SACC Chicago board with the backing from my previous company. Trustonic is a company that also values employees’ contribution to society/community involvement and expressed their support to stay engaged with SACC Chicago.

LEGION COLLECTIVE

Business Member Introduction

Jonathan Sluys
Founder & Executive Creative Director 

What is Legion Collective?

We're a digital branding agency driven by our passion for great design as a means of business transformation and human connection. We are often asked to help when a brand, business or initiative is launching or going to launch. 
Rob Wodzinski
Executive Account Director

What makes Legion Collective unique in the Chicago market? 

Our firm is small but mighty. When you work with Legion, you have access to concentrated senior-level talent. We are not slowed down by the overhead or bureaucracy of larger agency competitors. Our clients rely on us for our ability to immerse ourselves in their business and bring fresh strategic thinking in connecting design and content solutions to their most pressing issues, with measurable impact. 

Why did you join SACC Chicago? 

Our founder, Jonathan Sluys, grew up in Uppsala, Sweden, and brings the pride of his Swedish heritage to Legion. Many of our clients are international, and our team has a global footprint and perspective. We joined SACC to be part of a larger community with ties to Sweden, and to serve as a resource for Scandinavian companies in need of our branding or digital expertise. 

YER USA

Business Member Introduction

Gunilla Girardo
Principal & Sr. Director Scandinavian Desk

What is YER USA?

YER USA is an international executive recruitment agency and a U.S. leader in transatlantic recruitment with offices in Chicago, Atlanta, New York City and Washington DC. Founded 1987 in the Netherlands, YER USA's focus is on finding top-quality candidates to fill mid to senior level positions by connecting Europe's best companies with North America's best talent.
Gustaf Uttersten
Executive Search Consultant & Sr. Director Nordic Desk

What makes YER USA unique?

YER USA helps you navigate the complexities of international recruitment; positioning your company to attract US-based talent in a currently very competitive environment. With a team of 50+ cross-cultural experts with deep roots in Europe and extensive experience in doing business in the U.S., they speak your language both figuratively and literally: English, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Austrian, Belgian, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and Swiss.

Wondering why it is so hard to find talent in the U.S.?

The U.S. economy is strong and growing, unemployment is very low, and the supply of jobs is higher than the demand. In January, U.S. employers added 517 000 jobs. The estimated total number of current job openings is 11 million! The unemployment rate fell to 3.4 - the lowest since 1969. YER USA can help you stand out from the crowd and secure the talent you need to realize your goals for the U.S. market. Book a meeting today to discuss your recruitment needs and strategy for success.

Viaplay Group

Corporate Member Introduction

Jens Cedwall
Business Development and Partnerships

What is Viaplay?

Viaplay is the leading provider of international streaming entertainment in eleven countries in Europe, and the Nordics most prolific producer of original series, films and documentaries. Founded in Stockholm, Sweden, Viaplay is now on its international journey and launched its streaming service in the U.S. on February 22, 2023. From gripping crime dramas and provocative young adult series to critically acclaimed films and documentaries, there are thousands of hours of great storytelling to discover.​​​​​​​

What Makes Viaplay Unique on the American Market and why Join SACC Chicago ?

If you love Scandinavian storytelling, Viaplay offers the best library of dramas, comedies and crime series from Sweden and the Nordics. As we are bringing the best of exclusive international entertainment to the U.S. market, SACC Chicago offers great service and adds value to Viaplay with its unique U.S., Swedish, Nordic, and European network.

InGenius

Business Member Introduction

ingenius logoingenius logo
Jonas Lundgren - CEO - InGeniusJonas Lundgren - CEO - InGenius
Jonas Lundgren
​​​​​​​CEO

What is InGenius?

In a business or any other entity, data is an asset that can be transformed into valuable information and insights. However, data does not turn itself into business improvements. You need to balance the three components of People, Process, and Technology and maintain good relationships between them to maximize efficiency. After all, people use processes and technology to complete work for the organization they're with. We do have the tools and technology to quickly collect your data and utilize Business Intelligence in your organization. From these facts, together with reviewing your business processes, with the activities of the people, we can better understand where the area of focus for improvement would be. Engaging people in your organization with experience in your business, together with our experience in business and process improvements, and adding innovative tools results in great improvements.

What Makes InGenius Unique on the American Market?

As a small consulting boutique company, we have a very broad international experience from various industries, roles, cultures, and company sizes. With that experience and with partnerships with other successful consulting and technology companies, we can offer a very wide range of affordable services with a personal touch.

Why Join SACC Chicago?

It becomes very natural to join SACC in Chicago as we are a Swedish-American company. Networking with other American and Swedish people and companies is a great advantage that SACC offers and allows InGenius to join in helping other companies further develop into the future.

Axis Communications

Corporate Member Introduction

Axis Communications LogoAxis Communications Logo
Filip Johansson​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Area Technical Manager

What is Axis Communications?

As the industry leader in video surveillance, Axis Communications develops and supplies innovative network solutions that improve security and business performance. The company is enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training. Customers across the world use our solutions to protect people and property as well as improve business performance. For over 30 years, Axis has been driving the shift from analog to digital video surveillance. Today our ground-breaking products and industry firsts that anticipate and meet people's needs are sold all over the world. Axis was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Lund, Sweden, with around 4,500 employees in over 50 countries. In collaboration with thousands of technology and system integration partners, Axis is dedicated to enabling a smarter and safer world.

What Makes Axis Communications Unique on the American Market?

Axis has always had a strong footprint in the Americas dating back to its roots as a company - now there are over 600 "Axians" in the Americas. Besides Axis' great products and partner network, the local market presence really sets the company apart. In the US, Axis has 12 (and counting) different regional "experience centers" where customers can visit and experience our solutions "in action". This is a significant investment Axis is making to build trust in the market.

Why Join SACC Chicago?

Axis is a company that prides itself on its Swedish heritage, and the Swedish culture truly flows through the whole company. All Axis employees are flown back to our global HQ in Lund, Sweden, for onboarding. Joining the different SACC branches in the country gives "Axians" more opportunities to network with Swedes and experience their traditions. This is invaluable in promoting the Axis culture and building an understanding of how to work well together across the Atlantic. Also, of course it is expected that there will be business opportunities emanating from this as well, but that is just an added benefit for Axis.

JLL

Corporate Member Introduction

Evan Christiansen
​​​​​​​Corporate Real Estate Advisor

What is JLL?

We help buy, build, occupy and invest in a variety of assets including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and hotel real estate. From tech startups to global firms, our clients span industries including banking, energy, healthcare, law, life sciences, manufacturing, and technology. JLL has roots dating back to 18th Century London, but was not established in the United States until the merger between Jones Lang Wootton and LaSalle Partners in 1999. Almost ten years later Jones Lang LaSalle acquired Dallas-based The Staubach Company in 2008.

What Makes JLL Unique on the Chicago Market?

JLL's North American HO is in Chicago where all our service lines are able to meet and collaborate daily. Our clients managed out of Chicago are able to receive our most innovative technology pilots and the full suite of our service-offerings. JLL is a major proponent in giving back to our local communities in order to create a safe, healthy, and sustainable places to live, work, and play for generations to come.

Why Join SACC Chicago?

I grew up going to Swedish Covenant Church in Northbrook, played hockey in Nybro, Sweden, in 8th grade, and still have a family farm in Halmstad, Sweden, where I'll be traveling to this summer. Having just moved back home to Chicago after 6 years in South Florida, I was interested in reconnecting with my Scandinavian roots and the local European business community in order to create more friendships and business opportunities here and abroad.

Wendella Tours & Cruises

Business Member Introduction

Grace Borgström​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Vice President & 
​​​​​​​General Manager

What is Wendella Tours & Cruises and how long has the company been around?

"Wendella has been around the Chicago River since 1935. For over 80 years, we've provided visitors and locals alike with the ultimate Chicago experience. Offering premier Chicago River & Lake Michigan tours and cruises, we blend nostalgia for Chicago's rich history with modern experiences to provide a fun day on the water, whatever the occasion."

What makes Wendella Tours & Cruises unique on the Chicago Market?

"Wendella has been around the Chicago River since 1935. For over 80 years, we've provided visitors and locals alike with the ultimate Chicago experience. Offering premier Chicago River & Lake Michigan!"

Why Join SACC Chicago?

"My great-grandfather, who started Wendella, immigrated to Chicago from Sweden. We are proud of our Swedish heritage, both as a company and a family.
​​​​​​​I thought it was a great way to connect with other businesses and for me to learn more about my Swedish heritage."

Pagero

Business Member Introduction

Pagero LogoPagero Logo
Erik Modh - Managing Director, North America - PageroErik Modh - Managing Director, North America - Pagero
Erik Modh
​​​​​​​Managing Director, North America

What is Pagero?

We believe that buying and selling should be easy. Pagero provides a smart business network that connects buyers and sellers in an automated, compliant, and secure way to exchange orders, invoices, payment instructions, and other business documents. With an open network and a wide range of value-added apps, Pagero helps businesses streamline their order-to-cash and purchase-to-pay processes while unlocking the full potential of accurate and reliable business data. All of this, regardless of location, industry, size or systems.

What Makes Pagero Unique on the American Market?

Companies are prioritizing digital transformation. We offer our clients a solution that will support their digital transformation journey for both their order-to-cash and purchase-to-pay processes, globally. This, alongside the best- in-class technology developed in Sweden.

Why Join SACC Chicago?

Sweden is well known for its ability to develop solutions & products with the highest level of quality, and this is something that we are proud of. Pagero is a company that will become a household name all around the world, which also means that we are constantly looking for talented people that want to be a part of our journey. Joining SACC Chicago is one of many ways to get our name out there and to attract the right talent that is interested in working for an ambitious company with roots in Sweden.