Hej there, I am Chris(toph) and this is my personal home on the internet 👋🏻

As an accomplished engineering manager with a solid foundation in software development, architecture, and consulting, I have dedicated over nine years to driving innovation and efficiency within diverse industries. Currently, I serve as the Head of Engineering for IKEA Circular Ventures, where I lead the charge in digital transformation and sustainability initiatives for one of the world's most recognized furniture retailers. My journey has equipped me with a multifaceted skill set that enables me to tackle complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions in fast-paced environments.

Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to spearhead numerous high-impact projects, such as launching IKEA's Preowned platform in Spain and Norway and expanding IKEA's Buyback & Resell services globally. I've led teams of talented developers, collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders, and driven significant operational improvements. My focus on fostering innovation and aligning business goals with technical solutions has allowed me to deliver outstanding results, whether it's through streamlining technology stacks, reducing operational costs, or driving new market expansions.

I pride myself on being a passionate advocate for sustainability and digital solutions, complemented by my ability to communicate effectively in both English and German. My approachable demeanor fosters open communication and collaboration among my teams, helping to build cohesive units that achieve collective goals. I believe that a supportive work environment is crucial for inspiring creativity and delivering exceptional outcomes. My diverse background allows me to connect with colleagues and stakeholders from various cultures and perspectives, enriching the collaborative process.

My life philosophy centers around the belief that we can all contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. I strive to integrate this ethos into my work, championing initiatives that promote circularity and social responsibility. I am driven by the notion that technology should serve as a catalyst for positive change, helping businesses and individuals thrive while minimizing environmental impact. I welcome the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals who share a vision for a better tomorrow. Let's collaborate to make a difference!

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Work Experience
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  • Feb 2023 - Current
    IKEA
    Head of Engineering
    • Spearheaded the technology strategy for IKEA’s digital circularity products, including Buyback & Resell, Secondhand Online, and IKEA Preowned, driving sustainability efforts towards the company’s 2030 goals.
    • Directed an engineering organization of over 20 developers, both internal and external, to deliver cutting-edge circular economy solutions across multiple global markets.
    • Launched IKEA Preowned in Spain and Norway within one year, overseeing the entire process, including digital build vs. buy decisions, vendor selection, and due diligence.
    • Generated widespread media attention with over 1,000 news outlets covering the launch of IKEA Preowned, marking one of the largest media engagements for any IKEA initiative.
    • Streamlined the technology stack by consolidating from two public cloud vendors to one, increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs by 24%.
    • Scaled the Buyback & Resell and Secondhand Online platforms to 28 markets, doubling customer usage to 400,000 and facilitating the reuse of over 1,000,000 items in FY24.
  • May 2022 - December 2023
    adidas
    Director Software Engineering | Circular Services
    • Championed the launch of the “Made To Be Remade” initiative, transitioning adidas to a circular business model that incentivizes consumers to purchase, wear, and return items for rewards, successfully implemented in over 20 countries across EMEA, NAM, and LAM.
    • Navigated the complexities of setting up product and recycling attributes across various systems, enhancing operational efficiency from product creation to reverse logistics.
    • Assumed leadership of the Mobile Hype & Digital Retail backend development chapter during a colleague’s parental leave, effectively reorganizing workflows to boost team performance and deliverables.
    • Introduced quality standards and technical refactoring initiatives to ensure that microservices were primed for peak holiday performance, successfully launched high-demand events such as Singles Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
    • 1Nurtured a culture of sustainability and innovation within the organization by collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize the integration of circular services into existing platforms.
Let's Connect

If you want to get in touch with me about something or just to say hi, reach out on social media or send me an email.