Alumni interview with Johanna Söderström: “Hanken sparked my drive for curiosity and lifelong learning”

Söderström graduated from Hanken in 1997, majoring in management and organisation with a minor in economic political science.

“At the time, there were few HR-related courses at Hanken, but I actively sought out knowledge. By combining courses in management, marketing and international relations, I created a foundation that shaped my future career.”

Even before starting her studies at Hanken, Söderström began working at the information and communications technology company Ericsson. It was during a project within the company’s HR department that a pivotal moment occurred.

“I initially wanted to work externally with marketing and customers – the internal side didn’t interest me much. But then I realised that employees could also be seen as customers, and that marketing principles could be applied to HR. That insight came to define my entire career.”

From chemicals to food industry

After ten years in various part-time and full-time roles at Ericsson, Söderström was recruited by the multinational chemical company Dow Chemicals, where she held leadership positions in Finland, Germany and Switzerland. Following a brief period as HR manager at Huhtamäki, responsible for compensation and benefits, she was drawn back to Dow and eventually relocated to the company’s headquarters in the United States.

“As chief human resource officer at Dow, I led a major transformation of the HR function, focusing on employee and customer experience, and was involved in the large-scale merger between Dow and DuPont, which resulted in the creation of three new companies. After that, I tried to retire and moved my family to our second home in Florida – but then the pandemic hit, and I got bored.”

Söderström was approached by the multinational food company Tyson Foods, where she joined the executive team as chief people officer. At Tyson, she led a major digital transformation for the company’s 140,000 employees.

“When I joined Tyson Foods in 2020, around 90,000 factory workers were still queuing every other week to collect their paychecks. Today, all of that – and much more – is handled via mobile phones.”

Giving back to Hanken

Söderström now focuses on her own consultancy, Taika Talent Group, and board work. She has served on the board of Neste for five years and is also a Hanken ambassador and member of Hanken’s International Advisory Board, which acts as a strategic sounding board for the Rector.

“The International Advisory Board is a valuable channel for contributing to the university’s development – a way for me to give back to Hanken. I appreciate the mix of academics and business professionals.”

She encourages students to stay open to learning and not feel pressured to have everything figured out from the start. She emphasises the importance of discipline and curiosity, and the idea that one is never truly “complete” – development is a lifelong journey.

“Hanken sparked my drive for curiosity and lifelong learning. It’s important to stay humble, work hard, and be willing to continuously develop yourself and others.”

Sports and fast cars

Söderström lives in Florida and Rogers, Arkansas, with her husband and 15-year-old son. In her free time, she enjoys strength training and has a soft spot for fast cars – her favourite in the garage is a Porsche 911 Turbo S. She also loves travelling to experience new cultures.

“One particularly thought-provoking destination was Saudi Arabia, where I worked on a major joint venture project between Dow and oil company Saudi Aramco. I was invited by the Prince of the Eastern Province to visit his palace – as only the second woman ever – and was asked to speak to students about opportunities for women. Understanding different cultures is essential for building sustainable relationships in the business world.”

Text: Jessica Gustafsson
Photo: Private

In this article series, we interview Hanken alumni. Do you know someone you think we should talk to? Or would you like to be interviewed yourself? Send us your tips at alumni@hanken.fi Opens in new window .