I established JA studio in 2018 after 22 years as CEO.

At JA studio I do what I find important in the world and what makes me happy.

With 22 years of CEO experience I have been doing most of the stumbling myself. Therefore, I enjoy using my experience to assist companies, NGOs and organizations on innovation, strategy and sustainability. When doing so I also draw on my knowledge obtained from - for example - membership of World Economic Forums Global Expert network, the Danish Disruption Council and three honorary doctorates.

I am obsessed with biodiversity and beauty. After 17 years of working on the global forefront of sustainable design and innovation, I have narrowed my focus to the complex field of biodiversity which I communicate through art.

I have plus 20 years of board experience spanning international conglomerates, large listed companies, and tiny NGO’s. On boards I am a sucker for proper governance, professional reporting and a lover of innovation and sustainability.

Knowledge is key to me. I send spend much time learning new stuff myself and I share what I know through debates, lectures, and talks on the world’s smallest and largest stages. My favourite topics are sustainability, innovation, mega trends, and the best news of the world. My lecture agency is Forfatterforedrag.dk.

If you want to know even more, you can continue reading – or simply call me.

Board positions

Lauritzen Fonden, Copenhagen, Member Board of Directors, 2010 - Present

The foundation is the parent company of the shipping company J. Lauritzen (100 %) and DFDS (36 %), LF Investment ApS and J. Lauritzen Holding. LF Investment owns shares in oil, biotech, real estate, and software. The Foundation supports projects with a social purpose and Danish business activities.

Global Fashion Agenda, Member Board of Directors, 2018 – Present.

GFA is the foremost leadership forum for industry collaboration on fashion sustainability. As a thought leadership and advocacy organization, the non-profit is mobilizing the leaders of the global fashion industry to take bold and urgent action on sustainability. 

The Social Network, Member Board of Directors, Copenhagen, 2015 – Present.

The Social Network removes taboos and prejudices about mental illnesses and thus create the basis for a deeper understanding of a more coherent approach to people who are mentally vulnerable.

Lolland Folk High school, Lolland, 2022 - present

The school that proudly stems for the strong Danish tradition of Folk High Scools, aims to be the melting pot for professionels and students with an eager interest in soil, gastronomy, food and cultivation.

Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation, Chairman, Int. Advisory Board, 2012 – 2018.

The new social design-focused research institute at PolyU Hong Kong Innovation Tower, made possible by a generous grant from The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Engro Corp, Pakistan, Member Board of Directors, 2008 - 2009

Engro is one of Pakistan’s largest conglomerates with business ranging from fertilizer to power generation. Engro business comprise seven companies, which include chemical fertilizer, Pvc resin, a bulk liquid chemical terminal, industrial automation, food, power generation and commodity trade. The company also comprises a substantial foundation

Ørestad Gymnasium, Copenhagen, Member Board of Directors, 2013 – 2015.

Ørestad’s Gymnasium is a modern high school and between the most sought after so in Denmark. The high school specializes in media, communications, innovation, and culture.

Beyond Risør, Norway, Member Board Directors. 2011 - 2014

Norwegian Design Organization, working with education, innovation, and events.

Sport Event, Member of Board of Directors, appointed by the Minister of Culture, 2009 – 2012

Sport Event Denmark is the Danish government and Industry funded organization attracting major international sports events to Denmark

Committees and councils

The Danish Government's Disruption Council - the future of Denmark, Member, 2017 - Present  

Uniquely the Danish Government has established a cross sector council to counter the disadvantages of disruption and embrace the potentials - for all Danes. While obviously a huge task, it is also an amazing job to do with our leading ministers, CEOs, unions, and academics.

Dansk Selskab for Virksomhedsledelse, Copenhagen, Member VL1, 2017 - Present

The Danish Management Society (VL) brings together Denmark's top business and governmental minds to foster and encourage understanding of modern leadership.

World Economic Forum Expert Network, Davos, Member, 2016 - Present

In the global network we provide leaders with an efficient way of interacting with the collective intelligence of the World Economic Forum’s wide Network to improve the state of the world

Singapore Government, Member of Hotel Industry Expert Panel, 2013 - 2015

A panel of independent experts who advised on Singapore’s strategies and initiatives to raise productivity in the hotel industry.

World Economic Forum, Davos, Member Global Agenda Council on Design 2008 - 2011

The councils were multi stake holder groups formed by World Economic Forum to advance knowledge and collaboratively develop solutions to the most crucial issues on the global agenda.

Hong Kong Design Centre, Member of International Advisory Board, 2010 - Present

Hong Kong Design Centre is established by the Hong Kong SAR government to promote design and establish Hong Kong a centre for design excellence in Asia.

Deltaq Management a/s, Copenhagen, Member of Advisory Board, 2010 - 2013

Deltaq is a listed private equity fund investing in sme's that has a need for generation change, owner change or need for capital and stronger management.

Art

I have created the new nature exhibition for Det Grå Fyr in Skagen in collaboration with the Danish Nature Agency and designed artistic decorations outdoors and indoors for AAB, DAB, Aarhus Festuge, Aarhus University, Børneriget and many others. I have, for example, exhibited at the Autumn Exhibition, Kunsthal Augustenborg and a number of galleries. 

CEO Positions

INDEX: Design to Improve Life, Copenhagen, Founding CEO, 2001 - 2018

INDEX: Design to Improve Life – now the Index Project - is leading the global effort to activate design in the development of sustainable solutions to the most wicket global challenges.

Øksnehallen, Founding CEO, 1997 - 2001

One of Denmark’s largest venues for the arts, culture and commerce amounted with 200.000 annual guests and high national media profile.

Honours

Through the years I - who finished my formal education at 19 years old - have with astonishment received honourable doctorates from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Art Centre College of Design in the US, and University of Huddersfield in the UK. Likewise, Hong Kong bestowed on me The Design Leadership Award that recognizes business leaders who create exceptional and sustainable business success through strategic and innovative thinking, and from The Danish Design Academy I received the Grundfos Travel Grant.