Two business leaders in conversation in a Nordic boardroom overlooking a harbour at dusk.

Confidential search · Nordics

The right leaders for the Nordic defence industry.

We recruit executives, senior technical leaders and specialists for companies in the Nordic defence industry, dual-use sector and supply chain — not for armed forces or public authorities.

For client companiesFor senior candidates

People are the strategic advantage.

Nordics

Search reach

3

Core services

Senior

Partner-led

Advisers mapping candidates for an executive search assignment.01

Services

Executive Search

We identify and attract senior leaders who combine business acumen with deep defence understanding.

CEOs · CTOs · Directors · Programme Leaders

Read more
Engineers reviewing plans beside an aircraft engine in a Nordic hangar.02

Services

Specialist Recruitment

Engineers, analysts and programme managers with security clearance and sector-specific insight.

Tech · Cybersecurity · Systems · Procurement · AI · ISR

Read more
“
In the defence industry, the right leader does not only shape results — they shape the capability to deliver.

Defence Executive

Sectors & expertise

Where we focus

Deep understanding of complex, regulated and mission-critical environments.

Executives reviewing technical material at a Nordic aerospace and space facility.
01

Aerospace & Satcom

Business leaders in conversation at a Nordic marine technology facility.
02

Naval & Maritime

Engineers inspecting a radar installation at a Nordic technology centre.
03

Autonomy & AI

Modern Nordic advanced manufacturing hall with precision machinery.
04

Industry & Production

  • Aerospace & Satcom
  • Autonomy & AI
  • Cyber & Electronic Warfare
  • Naval & Maritime
  • Land Systems
  • Dual-use Technology
  • Programme & Procurement
  • Security & Resilience

Method

A controlled, four-stage mandate

  1. Stage 01

    Brief & mandate

    Role architecture, success criteria and stakeholder alignment.

  2. Stage 02

    Market mapping

    Discreet, multi-source intelligence across Nordic and relevant international networks.

  3. Stage 03

    Assessment

    Structured evaluation of capability, credibility and cultural fit.

  4. Stage 04

    Placement

    Negotiation, transition and continued partnership.

The team

The people behind every assignment

Meet the team
RF

Rebecka Fihn

CEO

UT

Ulrika Thorstrand

COO

SW

Stefan Weman

Senior Advisor

ER

Emanuel Ramstedt

Senior Advisor and Chairman of the Board

CD

Clemens Döring

Business Advisor

Nordic port city at blue hour with shipyard cranes and office buildings.
03

Advisory for Market Entry

Entering the defence market? We help you build the right team and capability from the ground up.

Read more

Explore

Executive search

Retained executive search for leadership roles in defence, security and dual-use technology.

Specialist recruitment

Search for critical technical, programme and commercial specialists in defence and dual-use technology.

Market entry

Talent support for international defence companies establishing in Sweden and the Nordics.

Sweden

Executive and specialist recruitment for defence companies operating in Sweden.

Nordics

Executive and specialist recruitment across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.

Norway

Executive and specialist recruitment for Norwegian defence and dual-use companies.

Denmark

Executive and specialist recruitment for Danish defence, security and dual-use companies.

Finland

Executive and specialist recruitment for Finnish defence, dual-use and supplier companies.

Roles we recruit

Leadership, commercial, engineering and programme roles across defence and dual-use technology.

About

A specialist search firm for the defence industry, based in Sweden.

Defence Executive

Defence Executive is a specialist recruitment firm for leadership and expert roles at companies in the defence industry, dual-use sector and supply chain. We recruit for industry — not for armed forces or public authorities.

Open a confidential search

Talk to us about a leadership, specialist or market-entry mandate in the Nordics.

Start a conversation

For senior candidates

Your path to leadership

Join our network and explore opportunities where your experience can make a real impact.

Register your interest