Early Life
Antonia Margaret Ax:son Johnson was born in New York City in 1943 into a wealthy and influential Swedish family. She is the daughter of Axel Ax:son Johnson Jr. and Antonia de Souza. She attended Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as an exchange student and holds a master's degree in psychology and economics from Stockholm University.
Rise to Success
Ax:son Johnson began her career at Axel Johnson AB in 1975, quickly ascending to the role of chairman of the board in 1982, succeeding her father. Under her leadership, the company expanded into diverse sectors, including energy, real estate, industrial products, and grocery store chains. She stepped down as chairman in March 2015, handing the reins to her daughter, Caroline Berg.
Key Business Strategies
Ax:son Johnson has been instrumental in the growth of Axel Johnson AB, focusing on long-term value-driven ownership and constant renewal. During her tenure as CEO from 2000 to 2015, she led the company through significant transformations, diversifying its investments in technology, retail, and logistics. A key venture was the acquisition and development of major Swedish retail chains, including Axfood.
Philanthropy
Ax:son Johnson is known for her philanthropy, particularly through the Axfoundation, an independent non-profit organization established in 1993. The Axfoundation focuses on promoting a more environmentally and socially sustainable community, working with researchers to develop practical solutions to complex sustainability challenges.
