“I am proud, happy and humbled by the task that faces me. Aftonbladet is the leader in its sector and my ambition is to further strengthen and develop that position. This is a task that we will tackle together, using our skills and our tremendous driving force, and always with our users in focus,” says Sofia Olsson Olsén.
Sofia Olsson Olsen, born in 1965, has an extensive background in journalism and media, including as a reporter at Borlänge Tidning, sub-editor, entertainments editor and night manager at Arbetarbladet. Between 1998 and 2006, she was editor-in-chief and publisher responsible at Dala-Demokraten and editor-in-chief and publisher of Norra Västerbotten, now renamed Norran.
Sofia Olsson Olsén started at Aftonbladet Nya Medier in 2007. At Aftonbladet, she has held positions including administrative chief editor, HR manager, Head of Aftonbladet Online Academy, Head of Plus-chief and chief editor. Since December 2015, she been the acting editor-in-chief and publisher.
Aftonbladet has a unique position in Sweden, reaching 46 percent of the population between 16 and 80 years of age daily, which is unique even in an international context. This success has been made possible through a clear strategy for digitization and product development, in terms of both journalism and business. A strategy that Sofia Olsson Olsén intends to maintain and develop:
“Even seven years ago, we said that Aftonbladet should be an online company that also publishes a newspaper. We have worked systematically based on that and now reach more than 3.5 million people on a daily basis, which is both unique and historic. We will purposefully continue to develop and test new services, products and content. The competition has never been tougher or more international. It takes courage and innovation to maintain and strengthen our position as the leader in news and together we will continue fighting to win. Never relenting has always been one of Aftonbladet’s hallmarks,” says Sofia Olsson Olsén.
The Head of Schibsted Sweden and Chairman of Aftonbladet, Raoul Grünthal, considers Sofia Olsson Olsén’s extensive experience in the media sector and her leadership skills as major strengths:
“Sofia Olsson Olsén represents a present and active leadership style and encourages others in the organization to grow. This is a modern leadership approach that emphasizes teamwork – a critical success factor for Aftonbladet, and also for Schibsted as an international media group. She has successfully run the operational work of the editorial team, which has been reflected in significant, quality journalism,” says Raoul Grünthal.
Sofia Olsson Olsén will assume the role of publisher immediately.