Jan Olsson: This year recipient of the Extraordinary Member Award

5 December 2024

It was a moment of celebration at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK’s Annual Christmas Luncheon when Jan Olsson, Managing Director at Deutsche Bank, was announced this year’s Extraordinary Member. Recognising his invaluable contributions to the Chamber and the wider Swedish-British business community, the accolade celebrates not just a distinguished career but also a profound commitment to fostering connections and growth across industries and borders.

Reflecting on the award, Jan says with a warming smile, “It feels wonderful. I loved working closely with the Chamber over the years, so I am very thankful for this recognition.”

For him, the path to achievement has been as much about navigating hurdles as it has been about celebrating victories. “It’s not how you handle success that’s important - it’s how you handle the issues on the way to success,” he explains.

A career spanning continents

Jan’s career in finance reads like a map of the world. Born into a family that valued education and global awareness, Jan credits his multilingual abilities and exposure to diverse cultures as foundational to his success. “Education was the first major milestone,” he shared. “It wasn’t just school or university - it included everything from languages to sports and culture. That opened doors for me, job wise and a way to an international career.”

Jan joined Deutsche Bank early in his career, and quickly established himself in the field of corporate finance. “Deutsche Bank brought a lot of opportunities to me,” he says. From assisting the board to leading corporate finance initiatives, his journey with the bank took him across continents, immersing him in the financial ecosystems of Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Despite a demanding schedule, Jan remained committed to his philosophy: work should feel like a passion, not a chore. “I’ve always loved working. For me, work is like a vacation,” he claims, highlighting an enthusiasm that came to fuel decades of global achievements.

A strong connection with the Chamber

Jan’s connection with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK began during his tenure as Deutsche Bank’s Manager Director in London. Attending events that aligned with his speciality, such as those focused on M&A and strategy, he quickly found synergy with the Chamber’s mission.

Shortly after, Jan was elected to the board, where he soon came to make a lasting impact, serving as Chair for six years. Reflecting on his time, he notes, “The Chamber was perfect for me. It complemented my work and was geographically aligned with me living in London, making it easier to dedicate myself fully.”

Under his leadership, the Chamber expanded its influence and outreach, hosting notable events, including a royal visit that brought media attention and bolstered the organisation’s reputation. “Major events are vital because they help distribute the message and bring visibility to the Chamber,” Jan emphasises.

The optimist

One of Jan’s defining traits is his optimism, a quality that colleagues and peers often associate with him. Having lived in 11 countries around the world, Jan learned early on to see the good in people and circumstances. “I believe in the good of people. Growing up internationally, I saw that every culture and country has something positive to offer,” he shares.

Even in the face of geopolitical challenges, Jan’s outlook remains hopeful. “Yes, there are always issues, but history shows us that progress is possible. I’ve seen incredible development over my career - in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It’s important to focus on opportunities rather than just problems,” he says.

A legacy of connection

As Jan accepts the Extraordinary Member Award, his commitment to the Chamber and its community is far from over. “With this award, I hope to become an even greater ambassador for the Chamber,” he shares. His vision for the Chamber’s future is bold: “I believe the Chamber can take a quantum leap. It has the potential to double its membership and continue being a vital platform for businesses of all sizes.”

Whether through his professional achievements, his role at the Chamber, or his enduring positivity, Jan Olsson exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and vision. Even after stepping down as Chair, Jan remains an active and valued member of the community, continuing to support the Chamber’s expansion – in London and beyond. For this, we thank Jan and congratulate him for being this year’s Extraordinary Member.