SEB’s Mats Torstendahl to succeed IKEA’s Peter Jelkeby as Chair of SCC UK

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK is pleased to announce that Mats Torstendahl, Head of SEB UK, has been nominated as the next Chair of the Chamber. He will be formally appointed at the Annual General Meeting on 10 June 2026, succeeding current Chair, Peter Jelkeby of IKEA.

“It is a great honour to be nominated as Chair of the Chamber. SCC UK plays an important role in connecting Swedish and British business, and I look forward to contributing to its continued development together with the Board, team, patrons, and members,” says Mats.

Peter Jelkeby has served as Chair of the Chamber since 2022 and has now taken on the role as Country Retail Manager & CSO for IKEA in Germany, effective 1 January 2026. He will fulfil his current term until the AGM in June 2026, when Mats will be formally appointed.

Peter shares: “It has been a privilege to chair the Chamber and work with such a committed and forward-looking community and team, who continue evolve both the presence and network of the SCC UK with entrepreneurial spirit. I am proud of what we have accomplished and confident that Mats will continue to build strongly on this foundation.”

Building on this strong legacy of leadership, the Nomination Committee is confident that the Chamber is well placed for its next chapter. “We are delighted to nominate Mats as the next Chair. His international experience, understanding of Swedish–British business and proven leadership make him exceptionally well placed to lead the Chamber in the coming years. As a senior representative of SEB – a longstanding Patron of the Chamber – he also brings valuable continuity and a strong heritage of close connection to our community,” says Adine Grate, Chair of the SCC UK Nomination Committee.

Strong Swedish brands, long-term commitment
Both SEB and IKEA are top Swedish brands on the international stage, and their continued leadership within the Chamber underlines the strength of Swedish business in the UK. With Mats’s nomination, the Chamber reaffirms its commitment to showcasing the Swedish solutions to global challenges – from sustainable growth to innovation – underpinned by a clear UK roadmap and long-term engagement in this market.

“As a Swedish bank with deep roots and a long-term presence in the UK, SEB is proud to be part of strengthening the Swedish brand abroad. Sweden is known for innovation, reliability and trust, and I look forward to continuing to promote these values together with the Chamber and its community,” says Mats.

The Chamber is proud to see Peter take on this new challenge with IKEA and looks forward to his continued Swedish leadership and engagement, while warmly welcoming Mats as Chair-designate ahead of his anticipated appointment at the AGM in June 2026.

About Mats Torstendahl

Mats Torstendahl is Head of SEB UK as of 25 August 2025 and brings extensive leadership experience from the financial services sector. He joined SEB in 2009 following a career with Danske Bank in Sweden, and holds a Master of Science in Engineering Physics from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. Mats is currently serving as a Member of the Board of The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK.
 

Journalists wanting further information, please contact:

Alexander Högberg
Head of Communications
 
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the UK
+44 7825 882374
alexander.hogberg@scc.org.uk