On January 22nd, we announced an exciting leadership transition at Erevena. After 21 successful years as CEO, Dan Hyde is stepping into the newly created, full-time role of Executive Chair, where he will focus on client relationships and market strategy. Following a comprehensive internal and external search, we are thrilled to announce that Jonas Helgesson has been promoted to CEO, effective immediately.

Jonas has been with Erevena for four years and has played a pivotal role in expanding our presence across Northern Europe. His promotion marks an exciting new chapter for the firm as we continue to grow and navigate an increasingly competitive and complex market.

With Dan focusing on client-facing activities and strategic initiatives, this new structure enhances our ability to better serve clients such as Mistral.ai, DeepL, Photoroom, Nothing, Celonis, Helsing, Asana, and many others, while positioning the business for future opportunities.

To help you get to know Jonas better, we sat down with him for a quick rapid-fire Q&A session.

Q1: Tell us about the work you’ve done since joining Erevena. 

I joined Erevena in 2020 as the first employee in Northern Europe, focusing on building a strong presence in the region. Over the years, we’ve established and grown teams and offices in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo, ensuring we have exceptional local talent with an international mindset and connectivity.

My work has been centred on fostering collaboration across the wider Erevena business, enabling us to leverage global expertise while staying deeply connected to the unique characteristics of the Nordics. I’ve also built a tailored delivery model and operational engine designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of the most ambitious tech businesses in the region. This foundation has helped us grow from a new market entrant to one of the most trusted partners for high-growth companies in the region.

Q2: You’ve been at Erevena for the past 4 years; can you tell us a bit about your background? 

I started my executive search career in Sweden nearly 15 years ago and I had the privilege of learning the craft from a former software CEO. This experience shaped me as a practitioner, teaching me not just the technical skills of executive search but also the importance of understanding the nuances of business strategy, product, and leadership from an operator’s perspective. 

In my late 20s, I moved to London to broaden my horizons and gain more international experience in the industry. There, I worked with clients across different technologies and geographies, which strengthened my ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing global businesses.

In 2019, I met Dan and Jon and quickly realised we shared the same values and vision for what executive search could (and should!) be. So, in 2020, I joined Erevena with the mission of establishing and growing our presence in Northern Europe. Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with some of the most innovative and ambitious tech companies across the region and Europe as a whole..

Q3: Outside of work, what personal hobbies or passions do you enjoy that also shape your leadership style? 

My family is the centre of my life, and they continue to shape me personally, teaching me values that I bring into my professional life. Being present for them has helped me fully realise the value of empathy, patience, and the ability to foster meaningful connections.

I’m also an avid runner and skier, both of which help me clear my mind, set personal goals, and stay disciplined. 

Finally, my passion for technology and innovation keeps me curious and forward-thinking. Exploring new ideas and breakthroughs energises me and keeps me open to fresh perspectives. 

Q4: Looking ahead, what excites you most about 2025 for Erevena and the industry at large? 

It’s hard to top my excitement for the Cross-Country Skiing World Championship later this month, but professionally I’m excited to help Erevena solidify its position as the leading executive search firm for high-growth tech companies in Europe. We’ve built a reputation for partnering with some of the most innovative and ambitious organisations, and 2025 presents an incredible opportunity to deepen those relationships and further showcase the value we bring in finding and supporting transformative leadership. 

More broadly, I’m eager to see how the European tech ecosystem adapts and thrives in the face of new challenges. Whether it’s navigating evolving economic landscapes, embracing AI, or addressing evolving talent dynamics, the resilience and ingenuity of this industry never ceases to inspire me. As these transformations unfold, Erevena will remain at the forefront, helping clients identify the leaders who will shape the future. 

Q5: How do you plan to build on the solid foundation that Dan [Hyde] has established over the past two decades? 

Dan and Jon have built an exceptional foundation at Erevena over the past 20+ years, establishing the firm as a trusted partner for investors and high-growth companies globally. My goal is to honour and build upon that legacy by continuing to focus on the qualities that have made Erevena so successful: a full commitment to delivering an outstanding client and candidate experience, paired with unparalleled market insights.

At the same time, I see opportunities to innovate and evolve. By leveraging AI and new technologies, expanding our geographical footprint, and launching new service lines, we can strengthen our leadership position and deliver even greater value to our clients. I’m excited to lead Erevena into its next phase of growth while preserving the core values that define us.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out directly with any questions or thoughts. I’m excited about what lies ahead and would love to hear from you.