Johan Eliasch: The Talented CEO and Chairman of Head N.V.
Johan Eliasch is an extremely successful businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist, who currently serves as the CEO and chairman of the sports equipment manufacturer and retailer Head N.V., a company he established in late 2003. As the driving force at Head, he has been able to turn his innovative ideas and knowledge into a hugely successful business. This article takes a look at the career of this dynamic leader and showcases his achievements.
Early Life & Education
Johan Eliasch was born on October 15, 1959 in Munich, Germany to Swedish parents. He received his education at the prestigious Eton College, where he earned a degree in Modern Languages and graduated in the early 1980s.
Career Beginnings
Following his time at Eton, Eliasch returned to Sweden and took up a position in a small investment firm. It was during this period that he discovered his financial acumen, setting his sights on a career in business and setting aside his passion for languages. His first major success was in the sale of a Swedish forestry group to US giant International Paper. Following this, he became CEO and chairman of the British Retail Group – a position he would remain in for almost two years.
Establishing Head N.V.
In 2003, Eliasch acquired the Head Ski Company and put his entrepreneurial skills to use to establish Head N.V., putting a renewed focus on development, not just in Ski apparel and equipment, but hunting, tennis and swimming. Eliasch has been extremely successful in this venture, with the company being recognised as one of the most innovative and technological-driven sporting companies in the world.
Innovation & Pursuit of Excellence
At the heart of Eliasch’s efforts have been his strive for excellence and innovation. With this, he has seen the introduction of advanced product concepts like Head’s “Dynamic Curve” technology, which focuses on improving the fluidity and power of a skier’s movement and has contributed largely to the company’s success.
Philanthropy
Johan has also made substantial contributions to numerous environmental and humanitarian causes. In 2006, he donated 400,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest; among the largest environmental donations in history. He was awarded the ‘Ashoka Chandi Prasad Birla Prize’ for outstanding public service in 2006 in recognition of his philanthropic efforts.
International Recognition
Head N.V. has become extremely prominent in the business world, with Eliasch himself regularly invited to speak to students and business leaders at universities and seminars across the world.
His success has been widely recognised, having been included on the Scandinavian Power List and the 2018 list of the “Most Influential Business Leaders in Europe”.
Achievements
Aside from taking his company to the biggest heights possible and achieving international recognition, Eliasch has achieved many other impressive feats.
Here are a few examples:
• In 2008, he was appointed to the Board of Understanding Animal Research.
• In 2013, he was appointed ‘chair’ to the Energy Efficiency Global Forum.
• In 2017, he was appointed to the advisory panel of the Commission on Radical Economic Transformation.
Johan Eliasch has achieved an immense amount of success and is widely-regarded as one of the world’s most influential business leaders. His innovative ideas, dedication to excellence and passion for helping others have resulted in incredible accomplishments, and are likely to be achieved for many years to come.
