The tech consulting company HiQ is taking yet another step to strengthen its position as a full-stack partner in digital transformation. Erik Ridman, former Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Head of Communications at HiQ, is appointed new Head of Region Stockholm at HiQ. ”At HiQ, we have a pretty much unique position in being able to build advanced systems, products and services, and at the same time discuss digital strategies, usability and the repositioning of brands. With background and experience in brand development and recruitment as well as solutions and commitments, Erik Ridman will play an important role in our continued success. And with Erik at the helm of our operations in Stockholm, I’m confident that we will further strengthen our position,” says Sven Ivar Mørch, CEO of HiQ.

Erik Ridman is appointed new Head of Region Stockholm. Previously, Ridman was Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Head of Communications at HiQ, which he has held for the past five years. Prior to that, he has a background in the advertising and communications industry and has worked with brand development and digital innovation at several agencies. Erik Ridman joins as leader of HiQ in Stockholm and receives the title Head of Region Stockholm, Vice President HiQ, and is still part of HiQ’s group management. 

“Jihaaa! I think that’s the only way to comment on this. Naturally, I have great respect for the task at hand, but I am also very excited about the assignment. Stockholm is the epicenter of the Nordic region’s tech and brand markets, and to further capitalize on HiQ’s development here is a dream position! I have worked closely with our team in Stockholm since I started at HiQ and know the potential here. We have fantastic employees and leaders, an inclusive culture out of this world, a tremendously strong brand, and a completely boiling market with future thinking. And we will deliver more of everything, I can promise you that,” says Erik Ridman, Head of Region Stockholm & VP at HiQ.

Erik Ridman replaces Patrik Holm, who leaves HiQ on his own initiative.
“We want to thank Patrik for a long and successful career at HiQ and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” says Sven Ivar Mørch.

HiQ has a clear growth strategy. The goal is to continue to build HiQ’s strong brand, unique corporate culture, deep expertise, strategic platforms, and broad customer base to become northern Europe’s leading consulting company in Tech, IT, Integration, Design and Communication. HiQ is involved in creating the technology solutions of the future in most sectors – and in Stockholm, HiQ, through its cutting-edge expertise in several areas and collaborations with leading companies in the Nordic region, is a solid contributor to the Nordic countries’ global competitiveness. The team in Stockholm is, among other things, behind Swish – a solution that has simplified everyday life for virtually the entire population of Sweden since its launch.

Recently, we have seen a lot of news from HiQ. Among other things, several acquisitions that add significant expertise to HiQ’s offering. The launch of the trainee program, HiQ Leap, a gateway for newly graduated tech students. A completely new, growing investment in Cyber Security – the goal is to make societies, companies, and organizations able to meet the cyber threats that arise and secure their continued digitization journey. Expansion to new cities – first out Jönköping. Several international awards in design and innovation competitions as well as a large number of new businesses, agreements and customers.

“With tech, we build a simpler, better, more fun and more sustainable world. I urge everyone who wants to work at one of the most exciting and dynamic environments to get in touch – newly graduated and people with long experience in tech, IT, innovation, design, or communication. Or, maybe you want to work with Sweden’s most amazing sales team? Get in touch! Email, Linkedin, phone or whatever, I’m everywhere. Let’s go!” Erik Ridman concludes.

HiQ announces today that Magnus Meyer, current member of the board of directors, has been appointed by the board to serve as the chairman of the board effective October 21. Thomas Hofvenstam, who acts as chairman today, will remain on the board as a member. “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Magnus Meyer as the new chairman of the board. Magnus is considered one of Sweden's most influential technology consultants, and his solid experience is of great value for HiQ,” says Sven Ivar Mørch, CEO at HiQ.

The appointment of Magnus Meyer marks the first change to the board of directors of HiQ since it’s constitution on 30 October 2020, following Triton’s acquisition and subsequent delisting of HiQ. 

“I am very happy to take over the responsibility as chairman and looking forward to continue to foster the collaboration in the board. HiQ remains on an exiting trajectory, marked by recent geographical expansion and continuous excellence and innovation rewarded by new assignments and creative awards. We will continue on this path, putting emphasis on further expansion and new recruitments” says Magnus Meyer, chairman of the Board, HiQ. 

Magnus Meyer (born in 1967) was previously CEO of WSP in Sweden and most recently president and CEO of WSP Europe. Prior to that, he was the CEO of the architectural firm Tengbomgruppen AB for several years. He has also held various senior positions at the GE Real Estate and Ljungberggruppen AB and worked as a technical scientific attaché in the USA. He sits on the board of several companies in addition to HiQ, including Goodbye Kansas, Kinnarps AB, Slättö Förvaltning AB, Coor Service Management and Vasakronan AB. He holds an M.Sc. in Engineering and Licentiate of Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm.

HiQ wins the Swedish Armed Forces’ procurement of an end-to-end solution for administration and technical development of the armed forces’ websites, applications, and other digital media. HiQ is the only supplier that wins the assignment. “We look forward to contributing to the armed forces’ crucial work and digital development with our expertise and years of experience in digitalization,” says Sven Ivar Mørch, CEO of HiQ. 

The ultimate responsibility of the Swedish Armed Forces is to protect Sweden and defend its liberty, but it also helps maintain peace and security in other parts of the world. With that said, there are high demands on digital systems, services, and applications to function well. Therefore, digital channels covered by the framework agreement are systems and services for everything from recruitment and crisis information to social media and websites. 

“The Swedish Armed Forces has rigorous security requirements when it comes to applications and infrastructure as well as its tendering suppliers. We are proud to be selected as their supplier and see it as proof that we are a trustworthy partner that can deliver high-quality, technologically advanced solutions,” says Sven Ivar Mørch, CEO of HiQ. 

The framework agreement covers technical development and administration of external digital channels and implementation and administration of digital media. It applies to both existing websites and any digital channels that will be created in the future. 

The areas included in the framework agreement are development, analysis and assessment, project management and consultation, security audits, purchasing support, information architecture, training, design and accessibility conformance. 

The procurement also includes maintenance and support. The support will be handled by HiQ’s support and administration teams, who currently serve many customers with ongoing support and maintenance of applications and services. 

“As digital systems become more and more operation critical, we see increased demand for support. Our Application Management units now serve more than a hundred digital services through support agreements, and some also cover this type of arrangement. The Swedish Armed Forces will be well taken care of by us, and we look forward to starting our collaboration,” concludes Sven Ivar Mørch, CEO of HiQ. 

After HiQ won the procurement in 2019, the decision was appealed by a competing consulting company to the Administrative Court and then to the Administrative Court of Appeal. The Administrative Court of Appeal subsequently dismissed the appeal. The framework agreement with HiQ runs for two years, with the option of extending it for an additional two years. 

In this increasingly digitalized world, there is no denying the significant threats that exist within digital systems. HiQ is building a comprehensive cybersecurity department to help existing and new customers to manage the cyber threat landscape that surrounds them. The goal is to help prepare communities, companies, and organizations to meet cyber threats and secure their continued digitization journey. “Saying that cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important is an understatement. At HiQ, our aim is to be a one-stop-shop for our customers and cybersecurity is an important component in delivering just that. Today, entire organizations must be aware of all the existing risks, and we want to be a part of that transformation for companies and throughout Northern Europe. That is why we are now building competence in cybersecurity and aiming for a leading position within the field,” says Sven Ivar Mørch, CEO of HiQ.

HiQ simplifies people’s lives by using technology, design, and creativity to develop smart solutions, businesses, and brands. At HiQ, we are convinced that technological development is the best way to make the world better, more sustainable, simpler, more fun, and safer to live in. An essential part of making the world safer is cybersecurity and securing technical solutions to various threats. Cybersecurity permeates all different parts of an organization. It is just as crucial for an IT department as for an HR department to be aware and able to meet the threats that arise, preferably before they even happen. Due to high demand, HiQ is now investing heavily in cybersecurity and building a department to meet the enormous needs of existing customers. The head of the department is Per-Olov Humla.

“It’s huge to come in and become part of HiQ and build up the cybersecurity department. Every day, the news report about various cyber threats. Companies must be aware, whether it is to protect themselves or oversee all the subcontractors they work with. It is a complex job in which we are experts, and we look forward to helping existing and new customers with these challenges,” says Per-Olov Humla, Head of Cybersecurity at HiQ

Humla has solid experience with over 25 years in the industry in leading positions within cybersecurity. He has also worked internationally on UN assignments, as head of, among other things, IT operations. The goal is to work more proactively with customers to deal with threats in the early stages. The cybersecurity department will have customers on a global scale.

“Cybersecurity is critical and, in many countries, also defined by regulatory requirements. In addition, it’s something we see as an increasing trend. It is an essential part that we must offer our clients, and it will be a large part of our offer that permeates all the different business areas in which we operate. The fact that Humla and several of Sweden’s most skilled experts and leaders in the field join HiQ with their expertise and experience means that we can level up that area in the business,” says Sven Ivar Mørch, CEO of HiQ.

The fact that we live in an increasingly insecure world regarding cybersecurity is nothing new. Cyber ​​incidents occur all the time, and it isn’t easy to relax and feel completely safe, whether it is a private person or a company. It doesn’t matter the size of the company. In this increasingly digital world, all these issues are affected, not least in setting requirements for and controlling subcontractors. Companies today are investing more and more budget towards cybersecurity, and it is central to find the right partner who can guide, provide support, and help with a holistic perspective. It creates a base to strengthen a company’s market position and cost-effectively manage risks.

“Our vision is to not only come in when the accident has occurred but to proactively guide and navigate customers so that they don’t have to deal with an actual threat. Today it’s increasingly more complicated to protect an organization against the accelerating threat landscape. We want companies to develop in the digital arena and strengthen their position in the market, that is why we do what we do, for a safer world,” concludes Per-Olov Humla. 

Do you want HiQ to help your company with Cybersecurity? Get in touch with:
Per-Olov Humla, Head of Cybersecurity at HiQ,
e-mail: per-olov.humla@hiq.se