Maria Lidström is the new CEO of Fumex – “We don’t have to run fast, but we know where we are going”

We start the year by introducing our new CEO, Maria Lidström. She started on November 1, 2025 and has now, after having gone in parallel with former CEO Anders Hedlund, completely taken over the role. Maria comes from the law firm Kaiding, where she worked for about ten years as a business lawyer. She has also held several board assignments on the side, often focusing on corporate issues, structure and strategic choices.

– It has been a very good start for me here at Fumex. Being able to walk alongside Anders, with all his experience and knowledge, has given me security and I have quickly settled into both the daily operations and the role. It’s a lot to take in, but there is a stability within Fumex that makes it easier to land,” says Maria.

Although Maria is new to the role of CEO, she is far from new to the company. She has been on the Fumex board for about 2.5 years and during that time has had time to get to know both the business and the people behind it.

– As a board member, it is a more transparent strategic role where you ensure that the company is on the right track in the long term and makes wise decisions. Now I’m in the real world, and that’s something completely different. I’m closer to the business, closer to the decisions and the people who make it happen.

A personalized way into Fumex

Maria’s relationship with Fumex goes back a long way, and her father used to run the company with Anders. When he passed away, she took over his seat on the board.

– It is inspiring to build on something that has meant so much to him. Fumex has made an incredible journey from a small local company to an international business with subsidiaries and customers in many markets.

“A little better every day”

When asked to put into words what attracted her to Fumex, Maria returns to one thing: the drive.

– There is a special spirit of progress here. They want to constantly improve and develop. I really like the Fumex motto “A little better every day”. It suits me very well.

For Maria, the CEO role is less about tinkering with details, and more about creating direction and conditions for her employees.

– I believe in leadership based on trust. Everyone here is very good at what they do. My task is to ensure that they have the best possible conditions to succeed and do their best work. The fact that many have worked in the company for a long time also provides security, both for me and for the organization.

More strategy and clearer direction

With the pandemic behind us and new premises in place, it is, according to Maria, a good opportunity to look further ahead. For her, it is very much about strategy, business intelligence in a more uncertain international situation and a clearer work on what the next step for Fumex should be.

– We should not be afraid of change and dare to ask ourselves what our next milestone is? Is it new markets, development areas, business lines or products? We don’t have to run fast, but we should know where we are going. It’s about wise decisions and thoughtful steps,” concludes Maria.