Henrik Ekdahl

Managing Director/Geschäftsführer Ernst Leitz Werkstätten GmbH (Leica Camera AG)

Germany

About

With a career spanning premium and luxury brands in optics & lifestyle accessories, automotive, and jewellery & watches, I bring deep expertise in Brand Management, Marketing, and Sales. I’ve worked in both headquarters and subsidiary roles, giving me a unique balance between strategic global direction and nuanced local market execution. I have broad hands-on experience across B2B, B2C, and D2C environments, including leading initiatives that drive digital business model transformation. Working across multiple countries and cultures has strengthened my international mindset, adaptability, and ability to collaborate across diverse teams. As a leader, I focus on empowering people — providing clarity, fostering alignment, and enabling teams to reach ambitious goals. My professional foundation is complemented by substantial life experience and a genuinely young-at-heart attitude.

Experience

  • Managing Director / Geschäftsführer Ernst Leitz Werkstätten GmbH at Leica Camera AG
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Global responsibility for the Leica accessories division ranging from mechanical watches to leather goods and brand accessories.

  • IWC Schaffhausen (16 yrs 7 mos)
    • Managing Director Northern and Eastern Europe
      Jun 2018 - Mar 2023 · 4 yrs 10 mos

      Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States were added to my current region consisting of up to 32 countries and three subsidiaries: Munich, Istanbul (until 03/22), Moscow (untiI 03/21). Strong increase of turnover and brand awareness, creation of own as well as external boutiques. Established ECom as a third distribution pillar in my region.

    • Managing Director for Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Israel
      Mar 2012 - May 2018 · 6 yrs 3 mos

    • General Manager IWC Schaffhausen for Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe
      Sep 2006 - Feb 2012 · 5 yrs 6 mos

  • Heading the Richemont Watch Division for Northern Europe at Richemont
    Apr 2019 - Mar 2022 · 3 yrs

    Heading the Specialist Watchmaker Division within Richemont Northern Europe and thus coordinating the distribution activities of IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger le Coultre, Panerai, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, Lange und Söhne, Roger Dubuis and Baume et Mercier - in addition to my position as Managing Director for IWC Schaffhausen Northern and Eastern Europe

  • BMW Marketing Manager Sweden (Nordic) at BMW Group
    Feb 2004 - Aug 2006 · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Rolls-Royce - BMW Group Brand Strategy and Steering Department at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
    Jul 2002 - Jan 2004 · 1 yr 7 mos