PROFIL / RESUMÉ
Bredsten, Denmark.
Seasoned innovation leader with extensive experience in technology, R&D, and strategic innovation. Proven track record of developing market-driven solutions based on deep customer insights. Skilled at leading high-performing teams and managing complex innovation portfolios across global organizations such as LEGO, DEVI, and Danfoss.
Combines a holistic and structured mindset with the ability to thrive in ambiguity and drive innovation from idea to impact. Passionate about fostering creativity and collaboration across cultures and disciplines.
SH is an expert within the Front End of Innovation — the phase where needs are uncovered, concepts take shape, and business plans are built. This is where risk is highest, and where the right choices determine whether an idea later becomes a commercial success. With 20+ years of experience from companies including Danfoss, DEVI, and LEGO, delivering both strategic process design and hands-on execution of the Front End work — for physical products as well as digital services. Background spans the full value chain: trained as an industrial electrician, holding a B.Sc. Electrical Engineering and an Executive Master in Leadership of Innovation.
KERNEKOMPETENCER
Methodological approach:
- Strongly subscribes to Design Thinking in an agile, sprint-based cadence: fast iterations, early validation and continuous learning rather than large, late course corrections
- Desirability — qualitative and quantitative user research, Value Proposition Canvas, and concept testing
- Viability — data-driven cash-flow modelling covering development cost, sales volume, and pricing strategy
- Feasibility — ideation and conceptualisation of technical solutions, with assessment of technology readiness (TRL) and technical risk
Services offered:
1) Process Design — the right Front End process for your organisation
- Diagnosis of existing innovation practice, governance, and pipeline
- Design of agile processes balancing structure and creative chaos
- Roles, decision forums, KPIs, and portfolio management
- Capability building and training of internal innovation champions
2) Hands-on Execution as Project Manager for Front End projects
- Facilitation of user and market insight — interviews, observation, quantitative validation
- Ideation and conceptualisation in cross-functional workshops
- Prototyping, concept testing, and iterative sharpening of the value proposition
- Business case with cash flow, technology-readiness assessment (TRL), and go/no-go recommendation
- Stakeholder management towards steering committee, executive sponsors, and future operating owners
Professional engagements:
- Active member of the EGN Innovation Network Business Development & Innovation
- Frequent participant at international conferences on innovation and technology, including Innovation Roundtable
- National judge, Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship (Company Programme)
UDDANNELSE OG CERTIFICERINGER
- Executive Master in Leadership and Innovation (2013) — Leadership and Innovation in Complex Systems (LAICS), Copenhagen Business School / Aarhus University
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (1992) — Odense University College of Engineering
- Certified Electrician (1987)
Executive training:
- Danfoss Business System – Executive Leadership Training (2012)
- Leadership in Product Development & Execution (2012)
- Innovation Manager Program, anerkendt træningsudbyder (2007)
- Danfoss Talent Program — Leadership, Ashridge Business School, London (2006)
- Project management, stress management, and coaching hos anerkendt træningsudbyder (1995–2004)
SPROG
- Danish (native)
- English (fluent)
- Nordic languages (comprehension)
- German (basic)