Bona has announced the appointment of Christer Wahlquist as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
Wahlquist will succeed Lidija Broström, Bona’s sr. vp of marketing, who has served as interim president and CEO since August 2025. Broström will continue to lead Bona through the transition and work closely with Wahlquist as he prepares to assume the role. She will then resume her position as sr. vp of marketing.
“Christer brings extensive experience leading and growing a global company, along with a deeply collaborative approach to leadership,” said Kerstin Lindell, chair of Bona’s board. “His track record of bringing people together, strengthening operations and supporting long-term growth—combined with his emphasis on culture and teamwork—aligns well with Bona’s values. We are pleased to welcome him to Bona.
“We are also grateful to Lidija for her steady leadership, commitment and care for Bona during this important period,” Lindell continued. “She has provided continuity while helping the company move forward, and her leadership will remain invaluable throughout the transition.”
Wahlquist will join Bona as a consultant on Oct. 1, working closely with the board, group management and teams across the organization. The transition period will allow him to contribute to Bona’s strategic planning processes before formally assuming the role, according to Lindell.
Wahlquist brings more than 30 years of experience from Nolato, a global business-to-business company serving industries including medical technology. For approximately 20 years, he helped build Nolato’s medical business before serving as Nolato’s president and CEO for more than 10 years. He is credited with substantially increasing the company’s annual revenue while further strengthening its global position.
“I look forward to joining Bona, a company with a strong heritage, a respected global brand and a clear commitment to quality,” said Wahlquist. “I believe long-term success is built through teamwork and by making the most of the knowledge and experience within an organization. I look forward to getting to know Bona’s people, customers and business, and to contributing to the company’s continued growth and development.”
