Martin Livstedt, Project manager IT development, Shanghai

Martin Livstedt works as a project manager in IT development at Swedbank. His job has taken him a long way – more precisely, all the way to Shanghai. There, he is involved with establishing Swedbank’s first full-scale office in China. However, an even greater challenge awaits at home – being a parent.

Why did you start working for Swedbank?
After completing my degree, I ran my own media and IT company. It was an educational experience, but after four years, I wanted a new challenge where I could develop further within IT and I began working at a major web agency. Two years later, a personal contact suggested that I apply to Swedbank.

What is the best aspect of your job?
From a purely professional perspective, definitely the opportunities. At Swedbank, I can work with all areas of IT. Swedbank is one of the country’s largest IT employers with more than 800 employees. But, in addition to my professional duties, there are many other favourable aspects. One example is Young Professionals, a network in which bank employees younger than 35 meet, have fun and establish important contacts. Being the sports lover that I am, I am also on the board of Kamratföreningen (the Friendship Association). We arrange all sorts of health, culture and sports activities. Personally, I take part in football, golf and boule events. All bank employees are welcome to join in.

What project has been most fun to date?
That’s probably what I’m working on right now – the establishment of a full-scale Swedbank office in Shanghai. Building offices in China is a real challenge. The bureaucracy and authorities there are very different, to put it diplomatically. But it’s very satisfying when you can see that the office has begun to take shape.

What is your best memory from work?
That would probably be the trip with Young Professionals to Hansabank in Tallinn. When we entered the office there, it felt more like a web bureau than a bank. The average age was very young, about 30, since there was no training for business administrators during the Soviet era.

What do your future career plans look like?
At the moment, my career as a parent takes priority. However, when I return from parental leave, I would like to work on larger strategic IT issues at Swedbank.