Creator of lighting moments
This month, May 2022 we get to know André Martinsson, Commercial Manager, Fagerhult MENA. Fagerhult lits up the world with its unique luminaire designs since 1943 and André is one of their proud employees based in Dubai. With André´s curious mind he aspires to fulfill his life with many adventures, one is already being his move to Dubai.
HEJ SBC Member!
André Martinsson, Commercial Manager, Fagerhult
Who is André Martinsson?
A curious mind that always takes on new adventures, whether they are small or big, business or personal. I have been living in Dubai for more than 5 years, and it feels like I moved here yesterday. My passions in life are three; travel, music and lighting.
You have been working for Fagerhult for over 5 years incl. an internship in Sweden. Tell us about your journey and why did you decide to join Fagerhult in the first place?
Even at a young age, I found myself experimenting with how light could be used to create atmosphere and ambiance in my room, so, there has always been a passion for lighting. The journey with Fagerhult actually began straight after finishing elementary school, when me and some friends began working on the assembly line. I was born in Jönköping, close to the Fagerhult factory in rural Sweden, so it was very common for people in this area to find employment at Fagerhult. Little did I know that some years later, I would be working for the same company, but in Dubai.
After spending a few years working and traveling, I decided to start my university studies in industrial engineering and management, with a master’s in supply chain management. The program suited me perfectly, with technical courses, management and, in addition, I could combine this with studies abroad.
It was during my studies that I came to know about Dubai. Having always been interested in construction, I was aware that the tallest building in the world was under construction. This sparked an idea; would it be possible to live and work in Dubai? After graduating from university with a master’s degree, the search started to find a suitable occupation.
After looking into various options, I saw a post for a global management trainee program, provided by Fagerhult. It promised an 18-month internship period, split across three 6-month rotations within the Fagerhult group itself. The scheme was designed so that, once completed, the candidate would be offered a position at one of the companies within the group. Through further reading about Fagerhult, I discovered that they have an office in Dubai - this made me make my choice.
I was accepted into the program and undertook various projects, ranging from improving the overall assembly process in one of the factories, implementing a new process for bespoke products for a company in the UK, and benchmarking the best manufacturing location for one of the product ranges. On completion of the program, I got the offer to join the Dubai office. So, in 2017 I packed my bag and moved.
André, installing one of their lights
Photo courtesy of Love That Design
What is one of your best memories during your career that you are very proud of?
There are many moments I am proud of in my career and I am naturally curious, and what keeps me motivated is to always learn. Through the years, more and more duties and responsibilities have been put on my table, for example, when I started at Fagerhult, in quite an administrative position, we were just about to launch a new module in our CRM system Salesforce and my task was to ensure processes and data were kept in line with the company’s overall procedures.
Fagerhult is a big international group, but in Dubai, we are a small team. We are closely knitted together with one goal, to always exceed customers’ and clients’ expectations. As the Commercial Manager, I have the pleasure to be involved in various areas, high and low, narrow and wide. With a background in supply chain management, my main duty is to ensure we deliver the right material and are always on time, but each day is different from the next. From investigating new markets to expand into, to deciding what cake to enjoy on a colleague’s birthday.
Sustainability is something I think is very important and should be a concern to us all. By taking the metro to the office I am hoping to have a positive contribution to this cause. I am very proud to work for a company that takes sustainability seriously, where others might still use it as a buzzword. We have recently launched a ground-breaking luminaire, with the body made from recycled cardboard. We have also made some important commitments towards the UN’s sustainability goals.
Kilimanjaro summit, 5,895m
How do you find working in the Middle East?
Working in construction and especially lighting, there is no other place to be. There are cranes everywhere, and when the night falls, the lighting is present and decorating every building. Dubai is an ever-changing city, with so much to see and do. And it’s so inspiring to be working and living in a country where the spirit of innovation is so present that you can almost touch it. Travelling has always been a big part of my life, and Dubai is the perfect hub for this. Within a few hours, you reach Europe, Asia and Africa.
A few years back I had the pleasure to explore Africa. A trip that included a safari on the endless plains of Serengeti with sights of most of the big five animals, including the Rhino, some relaxing days in Zanzibar, and of course the highlight, reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain: Kilimanjaro.
What is your dream?
I believe in living every day to the fullest, with an open and positive mind. In this mindset, the next step in life will appear by itself, in both business and personal life. The journey has only started and I am curious what the next steps will be.