The evolving security landscape and increasing regulatory requirements are driving growing demand for protective security across both the public and private sectors. HiQ is strengthening its offering in this area by appointing Anders Spalding as Head of Protective Security. 

Anders Spalding has a background as an intelligence officer in the Swedish Armed Forces and brings over 15 years of experience in intelligence operations and military security and counterintelligence. He has subsequently worked in protective security, both as a consultant and in a role responsible for personnel security at Bankgirot. 

– Requirements for protective security are increasing rapidly, while many organisations lack the experience and structure needed to meet them. With Anders, we are strengthening our ability to support clients in managing these demands, both operationally and strategically, says Pernilla Rönn, Head of Cybersecurity at HiQ. 

This initiative also reflects growing demand from existing clients, where security has become a more central part of operations. 

– Protective security is an area where many organisations are undergoing a shift. It is not enough to comply with regulations. Organisations also need to understand how threats emerge in practice. I look forward to contributing that perspective, says Anders Spalding. 

HiQ strengthens its position across the full security spectrum 
As total defence considerations become more prominent, an increasing number of organisations are subject to protective security legislation. This places greater demands on everything from security vetting and background checks to long-term efforts to identify and mitigate insider-related risks. 

With this appointment, HiQ strengthens its position across the full security spectrum, from cybersecurity to protective security and national security. 

– Security needs to be managed as a whole. With this initiative, we can support our clients across all areas, from information security to personnel security and physical security, says Pernilla Rönn. 

For the fifth consecutive year, HiQ is proud to be a partner of Women in Tech Sweden, continuing its long-term commitment to a more inclusive and gender-equal tech industry. The partnership extends throughout 2026 and includes participation at the #WITswe2026 conference on April 22. 

This year’s theme, “Riding the Tides of Tech: Turning Pressure into Momentum,” highlights the rapid development of AI, evolving skill requirements, and how leadership and professional roles are transforming alongside technology. 

– The tech industry is evolving faster than ever. For us at HiQ, it’s not just about keeping up with change – it’s about helping shape it in an inclusive and responsible way. Together with Women in Tech Sweden, we create space for more perspectives at a time when both technology and society are changing rapidly, says Peter Arrhenius, CEO of HiQ. 

– We see new roles emerging while others are disappearing. This requires continuous learning, courage, and a culture where people are given the opportunity to grow. For HiQ, gender equality and diversity are integrated into how we build strong teams and deliver value to our clients. Our partnership with Women in Tech is an important part of that work, says Helena Herolf, Chief People Officer at HiQ. 

Women in Tech Sweden has grown from an annual event into a movement with more than 30,000 members. Through networking, role models, and knowledge sharing, the organization provides a platform that inspires more women to choose – and remain in – the tech industry. 

In times of uncertainty, it can be tempting to step back. Our partners are doing the opposite. They are choosing to stay, stand up, and take responsibility for how technology, skills, and opportunities are shaped going forward. That matters — not just for our members, but for the entire industry, says Åsa Johansen, Director, Women in Tech Sweden. 
 

The Women in Tech Conference 2026 will take place on April 22 at Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre in Stockholm, bringing together talent, entrepreneurs, and leaders to explore how we can navigate – and lead – the tides of technology. 

For more information about Women in Tech Sweden: 
www.womenintech.se 

On April 3rd, industry leaders and experts will gather at DI Cybersecurity 2025 to discuss how we can address an increasingly complex threat landscape. HiQ will be present as a premium partner, and our Business Area Manager, Pernilla Rönn, will participate to share insights on how companies and organizations can prepare for the future. Will we see you there?

As cyber threats evolve, security strategies must shift from reactive to proactive. How can we prepare for emerging threats? What measures are needed to combine innovation with robust security? During the session Future Cybersecurity Strategies, Pernilla Rönn will discuss these questions alongside experts from Svenska Kraftnät, RISE, and Kyndryl. Together, they will highlight the most critical challenges and strategies for building a long-term and sustainable cybersecurity framework.

As a premium partner of Dagens Industri, we are proud to be part of this important discussion and contribute to strengthening cybersecurity in both the private and public sectors.

Date: April 3, 2025
Location: DI Cybersecurity 2025, Stockholm
Read more about the event here: DI Cybersecurity 2025

We look forward to inspiring discussions and valuable insights on how we can work together to create a safer digital future!

HiQ West has appointed Malin Ekwall as the new Sales Manager. Malin Ekwall has extensive experience in the consulting industry and most recently comes from the Randstad Group. She will now be responsible for leading sales efforts in a region where HiQ has long been a strong player in digital innovation, transformation, and pioneering technical solutions.

Malin Ekwall has an impressive track record in the Swedish consulting industry, including roles such as Director at Randstad Technologies, Sales Director at Randstad Digital, and Sales Manager at Dfind IT.

“I look forward to joining HiQ and, together with my new colleagues and customers, further strengthening West Sweden’s competitiveness,” says Malin. “It is a dynamic region with a strong technological tradition and an impressive capacity for innovation. I see great opportunities in the rapid digital transformation within both the private and public sectors.”

In addition to her role as Sales Manager, Malin Ekwall will also join HiQ West’s management team. Regional Manager Dan Jonsson is very positive about the new addition:

“We are very pleased to welcome Malin to our team. Her understanding of the technological landscape, combined with her commitment to innovation and navigating the rapid digital transformation, will be invaluable in our efforts to create even greater value for our customers.”

The HiQ operations in Sweden are divided into five regions, with the West region holding a prominent position characterized by strong innovation – developing autonomous self-driving vehicles as well as business-critical personnel systems for the global aviation industry and world-class digital-physical brand experiences.