Malmö, Sweden—Bona has appointed Christer Wahlquist president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Wahlquist will succeed Lidija Broström, Bona’s senior vice president of marketing. Broström has served as interim president and CEO since August 2025.
Broström will lead Bona through the transition and work closely with Wahlquist before he assumes the role. She will then return to her position as senior vice president of marketing.
“Christer brings extensive experience leading and growing a global company, along with a deeply collaborative approach to leadership,” said Kerstin Lindell, chair of Bona’s board. “His track record of bringing people together, strengthening operations and supporting long-term growth, combined with his emphasis on culture and teamwork, aligns well with Bona’s values. We are pleased to welcome him to Bona.”
Lindell also praised Broström’s leadership during the transition period.
“We are also grateful to Lidija for her steady leadership, commitment and care for Bona during this important period,” Lindell said. “She has provided continuity while helping the company move forward and her leadership will remain invaluable throughout the transition.”
Wahlquist brings global leadership experience
Wahlquist will join Bona as a consultant Oct. 1, 2026. He will work closely with the board, group management and teams across the organization.
The transition will allow Wahlquist to participate in Bona’s strategic planning before formally assuming the president and CEO role.
Wahlquist brings more than 30 years of experience from Nolato, a global business-to-business company serving industries including medical technology. He spent about 20 years helping build Nolato’s medical business. The operation eventually grew to generate about SEK 5.5 billion in annual revenue.
He later served as Nolato’s president and CEO for more than 10 years. During his tenure, the company grew annual revenue from just over SEK 4 billion to about SEK 10 billion. It also strengthened its global position.
“I look forward to joining Bona, a company with a strong heritage, a respected global brand and a clear commitment to quality,” Wahlquist said. “I believe long-term success is built through teamwork and by making the most of the knowledge and experience within an organization. I look forward to getting to know Bona’s people, customers and business and to contributing to the company’s continued growth and development.”
Wahlquist holds a Master of Science in Engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and an MBA from Lund University.