SACCNY announces leadership change

Anna Throne-Holst to step down as President of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York after 8 years of dedicated service. Replacing her will be Barbara Wennerholm, current Head of Innovation and Commercial Affairs at the Consulate General of Sweden in New York.

New York, May 22nd, 2024

The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York (SACCNY) is proud to announce the appointment of Barbara Wennerholm as SACCNY President. She will assume her position on September 1st 2024, and will succeed Anna Throne-Holst, who is stepping down after almost eight years as president.

During Anna Throne-Holst's tenure as president, she has led SACCNY through tremendous changes, both in the world and within the organization. She was the pioneer behind Gateway, SACCNY's unique co-working and event space, which has served as a landing and take-off hub as well as a central meeting and networking platform for hundreds of companies from all over the Nordics and their U.S. counterparts. Further, Anna led the organization successfully through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped modernize and usher the Chamber in to the 2020s through her innovative and steadfast eadership. Anna has decided to return to Sweden where she will be pursuing exciting opportunities.

Barbara Wennerholm currently serves as Head of Innovation and Commercial Affairs at the Consulate General of Sweden in New York, where she has played a crucial role in the Consulate's reorientation toward business promotion, significantly enhancing its impact and reach. Previously, she has held positions in financial services at organizations such as Moody's Investors Service and the International Monetary Fund:

"I am honored to be appointed as the next President of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York. It is a privilege to succeed Anna, and I am eager to continue building on SACCNY's long legacy of fostering strong commercial ties between Sweden and the US. As a passionate advocate for Swedish innovation, I am excited to enable Swedish companies to thrive in the US market and enhance SACCNY's value proposition for our exceptional member companies. By creating unique opportunities for growth, connection, and knowledge exchange, I am confident that SACCNY will further its role as a catalyst for transatlantic commerce and innovation."

Chair, David Kaplan

“Barbara was the obvious candidate to the board”

Chair, David Kaplan had this to say: "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anna for her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication during her tenure as President. Her innovative initiatives and strategic vision have significantly strengthened and propelled our mission forward. As we bid farewell to Anna, we are thrilled to welcome Barbara as our incoming President. Barbara was the obvious candidate to the board, not only for her prior achievements but also for her transatlantic network that runs deep in Sweden and New York. Her extensive experience, relationships and dynamic approach promise to build on our achievements and lead us into an exciting new chapter of growth and collaboration. We are confident that under Barbara's guidance, the Chamber will continue to thrive and foster even greater connections between Sweden and the United States."

To which Anna Throne-Holst added, "I am truly grateful for the sincere pleasure it has been serving as President of the wonderful SACCNY membership and community these past several years - years marked by the impetus to bring forward momentum, while also adapting to both exciting and tumultuous times. It is now with equally great personal and professional pleasure I look forward to handing the baton to Barbara Wennerholm, who is uniquely qualified to usher in new energy and vision for SACCNY as I look forward to transitioning to a new chapter in Sweden. Thank you one and all for your support and valued friendships!"

For more information about The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York

Please contact info@saccny.org