Märit Sareyko reflects on her first year as CEO
CEO Märit Sareyko on leading change with purpose and trust
When Märit Sareyko took on the role as CEO in April 2024, she stepped into an organization already in motion. The separation from Enfo was complete, and the work of shaping Epical’s future identity, without losing what makes it strong, was well underway. In an interview with TechSverige, Märit shares her reflections on her first year as CEO at Epical.
Reflecting on the first year
“Time has gone incredibly fast,” she says. “My first year has been exciting and rewarding, but also challenging.”
The challenge, as she sees it, is to lead meaningful change while protecting the strengths that have built long-term trust with colleagues and customers.
“We are evolving to better meet market expectations and clarify our offering, not to change who we are. As a new leader, it’s all about building trust. And you do that by listening and being transparent. Listen to colleagues, take time to understand the history, and lead change based on who we are.”
Becoming more visible in a shifting market
Despite Epical’s strong position and loyal customer base, brand visibility remains a key focus.
“One of our main challenges is that we’re still relatively unknown in the broader market,” Märit explains. “Those who’ve worked with us know us well, and most continue working with us for years. But outside that circle, we need to become more visible and more articulate about the value we bring, especially in helping complex organizations unlock the full value of their data.”
On leadership in tech: stability, values and inclusion
The tech sector has traditionally moved fast, often too fast to prioritize sustainable leadership. That is something Märit believes needs to change.
“Good, inclusive leadership is important in every sector. But tech, a fast-growing and often innovation-led industry, hasn’t always taken the time to build that leadership. Technology has often led the way, sometimes at the expense of culture or structure.”
She points to the need for balance between pace and long-term direction.
“Tech is still more fast-moving than many other industries, which makes long-term thinking even more important. We need more focus on diversity, inclusion, strong values, and sustainable growth.”
Closing the skills gap through stronger collaboration
When asked what is needed to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness, Märit highlights a familiar but pressing challenge.
“One of the major challenges is the skills gap, and it’s likely to remain for some time. We educate too few within tech, and we don’t focus enough on supporting innovation.”
She believes that deeper collaboration between industry and academia is key.
“Universities and the education system should be pushing the industry forward, but right now it’s the companies who are ahead. There’s a lot of untapped potential in working more closely together, both to drive innovation and secure long-term skills development.”
Looking ahead
As Märit looks to the future, her focus remains clear: to lead with trust, to strengthen Epical's position in the market, and to support a sustainable tech culture rooted in inclusion and long-term value.
“We have an incredible foundation to build on, both in terms of competence and culture. Now it's about sharpening our message, continuing to grow, and showing the full impact Epical can deliver for our customers.”
