Image: Henrik Pettersson leads MEKO’s Exclusive Brands private label initiative with energy and precision — including ProMeister, one of MEKO’s flagship brands.
How long have you been with the company, and what roles have you held over the years?
I joined in August 2019 as Category Manager at what was then called Bileko Car Parts (now MEKO). In that role, I was responsible for the joint product organization for Meca and Mekonomen in Sweden and Norway, with a focus on developing and optimizing our product offering, including pricing and catalog management. The position also involved leadership responsibilities in both Norway and Sweden.
In the spring of 2025, I was offered a new role leading MEKO’s private-label brands.
Can you describe your current role, what you do, and how it has evolved since you started?
In my current role, I am responsible for developing MEKO’s assortment and pricing strategy for our private-label portfolio, Exclusive Brands. We are a small central team, and much of the operational execution takes place within the business areas, supported by our sourcing office in China.
Historically, MEKO’s business areas have worked with a broad range of private labels, where I see clear opportunities to increase efficiency. My initial focus has therefore been to define which brands are most critical going forward. We now have a clear target state and are working systematically to achieve it—by further developing the Every Part Matters brand and phasing out selected brands.
A key priority is also to introduce Every Part Matters and the well-established premium brand ProMeister into new markets and price tiers.
What key milestones or defining moments have you experienced during your time here?
A major milestone was the launch of a new, shared catalog solution for our strong brands Meca and Mekonomen. We gradually phased out the legacy systems and consolidated everything into the core catalog, Pro. It was a comprehensive and critical shift for the business in Sweden and Norway. The acquisition of Xoil in 2022 was also significant. It created new opportunities in the storage, distribution, and sourcing of oil and fluids, while giving us access to new customer segments, such as haulage operators and construction companies.
Is there anything you are particularly proud of from your time at the company?
One commercial success was the “Everyday Adventure” initiative in Sweden, focused on roof boxes, roof racks, and bike carriers. When we lost momentum in our collaboration with a market-leading partner, we chose to significantly broaden the offering. In a short period of time, the team built an attractive assortment with several leading brands and established Adventure Centers in stores. The success belongs to the team who made it happen, and I am proud to have been part of that journey.
What challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped you?
A major challenge has been navigating the different historical structures, cultures, and ways of working within MEKO. Acquisitions have brought many differences to consider and align. This has made me more pragmatic and more effective at identifying solutions that work in practice—even if the path to get there may look different across markets.
Have any mentors or colleagues influenced you, and in what way?
I have learned a great deal from many colleagues — everything from how the business operates in practice to the importance of perspective, decisiveness, and recognizing that “good enough” often goes a long way. I am continually impressed by the drive and expertise of colleagues across MEKO.
Why do you think MEKO is a great place to work, and why should others apply?
What I value most is the core of MEKO’s business model—a classic trading business at heart, where we source, store, and distribute products. The model is built on an advanced logistics solution serving demanding professional customers. Our workshop concepts, support centers, and technical training programs add further depth and dimension. In short, it’s an exciting company operating in an industry undergoing significant transformation. At MEKO, we have a down-to-earth, collaborative culture. What I appreciate is our solution-oriented mindset and the way we solve challenges together.
What are you looking forward to in 2026?
I look forward to continuing to develop the organization and our own brands within MEKO, and to working together with my colleagues to take on new challenges with pragmatism, creativity, and a solution-oriented approach. I am also excited to introduce Every Part Matters in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, establishing a new price tier in these markets. In addition, it will be rewarding to launch and establish ProMeister in Poland, Finland, and the Baltics — also introducing a new price tier where we have not previously offered a premium private-label alternative.
Facts
Name: Henrik Pettersson
Lives: Skarpäng, Täby, north of Stockholm
Current role: Director of Exclusive Brands
Employed in the Group since: 2019
Favorite way to get around: By car, of course