Fredrik Hillelson

Fredrik Hillelson is Founder and CEO at Novare. Fredrik has throughout the years carried out more than 1 000 recruitments, mainly for board positions and on a management level. He works broadly with both international and Swedish companies within business, the public sector, the cultural sphere, foundations, as well as volunteer and interest organizations. Furthermore, he is often hired as a speaker och likes to talk about the importance of equality and diversity in recruiting. He describes Novare as a value-driven company and points to this as one of the key success factors for the company.

– At Novare we have gathered around certain values which effectively removes the need for pointers and rules. That, in turn, creates a bold and creative culture.

I believe in freedom under responsibility, which suits coworkers with an inherent drive.

My social commitment, my will to see each individual’s potential, and the importance of equality and diversity are things I took with me to Novare. During the first years, we tested ideas and worked with recruiting and leadership in ways that were often novel. I am very happy over the fact that this creative spirit has continued to characterize Novare.

The societal engagement is expressed through many of Novare’s companies. Peritos helps young people with functional variations to get a job, Potential opens the job market for newly arrived, and through Youth Academy, we offer Stockholm’s youth a first experience of working life. All three are excellent examples of when Novare, powered by our unique network, can create meaningful change for those that might have a hard time getting a job or showing what they’re worth.

When it comes to equality, the recruitment industry is in a position of power, and everyone must assume their responsibility, says Fredrik.

– My view is not that there is any shortage of qualified female candidates. On the contrary, there’s plenty, but you must convince both the client and the candidate in another way than if it were a male. But compared to when we started Novare 20 years ago, it’s more of a business-related issue today to have mixed management teams and boards, and the winds of change are blowing faster than before. We have recruited 50/50 during the last years – we consistently measure it and publicly release our numbers each year on our website.

Fredrik Hillelson, CEO and Founder at Novare
Education: Officer’s degree, bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Sciences from Stockholm University
Career: Marine Officer, Vaxholms Amfibieregemente 1982-90, Foreign Chief of Staff, Scania 1990-94, Head of Personnel, Accenture Sweden 1994-97, Head of Personnel, Investor 1997-05.
Board Assignments: Business Challenge, prior board assignment at Min Stora Dag