Leadership Transition at SJ Sparks Ageism Allegations
The leadership transition at SJ has led to ageism allegations against chairman Kenneth Bengtsson following the dismissal of CEO Monica Lingegård.
Key Points
- • Monica Lingegård dismissed as CEO of SJ, replaced by Jonas Abrahamsson.
- • Kenneth Bengtsson's comments about Lingegård's age have sparked allegations of age discrimination.
- • The Swedish Discrimination Ombudsman is reviewing complaints against Bengtsson.
- • Critics, including board experts and labor organizations, call for Bengtsson's resignation.
In a controversial leadership change at SJ, Sweden's state-owned train operator, CEO Monica Lingegård has been dismissed, prompting allegations of age discrimination against SJ chairman Kenneth Bengtsson. Effective immediately, Jonas Abrahamsson has been appointed as the new CEO, stepping into the role amid scrutiny over Lingegård's exit.
Lingegård, age 62, has left SJ under unclear circumstances, which has raised public concern regarding the decision-making process during this transition. Reports indicate that Bengtsson cited Lingegård's age as a factor influencing the leadership change. He mentioned the necessity for a CEO who could strategize for the next five to seven years, asserting that Lingegård might not have been interested in a long-term commitment due to her age. This has ignited significant backlash from labor organizations, with critics asserting that the remarks reflect an outdated viewpoint that contributes to age discrimination in the workplace.
The Discrimination Ombudsman (DO) has announced it will review Bengtsson's statements following complaints from various individuals, suggesting that Lingegård's dismissal may violate Swedish laws against age discrimination. DO's Clas Lundstedt emphasized that if Lingegård or any other parties feel discriminated against, they could file formal complaints that might lead to an investigation into the allegations. Similarly, the trade union Ledarna's chairman, Andreas Miller, criticized the rationale around age, describing it as a waste of experienced talent and highlighting that many individuals in their 60s continue to possess significant capabilities.
The situation further escalated with approximately ten complaints lodged against Bengtsson, calling into question his future leadership. Board expert Kristina Jarring Lilja has publicly stated that Bengtsson "should choose to resign" in light of the allegations. This underscores the increasing scrutiny on corporate governance and the standards of accountability expected within SJ's leadership. Lingegård herself has expressed her belief that she has much still to contribute, indicating she does not plan to retire soon, despite the leadership change.