Knowing your industry isn’t just useful, it’s a key to success. And if anyone has mastered the staffing sector, it’s Martin Hansson. He is the ordinary guy from Landvetter who, with a twinkle in his eye, claims to have worked for more staffing companies than anyone else in Sweden.
Today, he is CEO of PION Group, but Martin is a seasoned company builder. His decades-spanning career, marked by senior leadership roles, has seen him ignite and accelerate the growth of multiple standout businesses. His visionary leadership and entrepreneurial drive have shaped the trajectories of PION Group, Nexer, and A Society. Martin’s talent for building organisations, unlocking value, and leading transformation has been central to his achievements.
Beyond an impressive résumé, Martin has cultivated a leadership philosophy that combines sharp intellect with empathy. Brimming with energy and positivity, he meets challenges head-on. Maybe it’s this mix of experience, curiosity, and warmth that makes conversations with Martin both entertaining and thought-provoking, often leading to surprising insights and unexpected reflections.
Martin doesn’t shy away from vulnerability or taking a serious look at things. He candidly shares both successes and setbacks and is the first to admit that even the best-laid plans sometimes need to be rewritten. Like when, after selling to Proffice in 2015, he believed he had reached his professional pinnacle and began planning for a new path – as a veteran tour tennis pro.
“I pictured myself dressed up in crisp white tennis gear, racquet in hand, clay dust on my shoes. But, apart from never having played tennis before, a ruptured Achilles tendon helped inject a bit of reality into those plans,” Martin laughs.
After surgery and rehab, just as he had regained his stride, he was in a car accident – forcing him into yet another period of rest.
“So, once again, I had to take it easy. I ended up binge-watching every season of Breaking Bad. But I’m not wired for idleness, so it was lucky I crossed paths with Dan Olofsson at that time,” he recalls, referencing his first contact with Danir.
My leadership rests on three pillars: a warm heart, a clear mind, and a firm handshake.
– Martin Hansson
That 2015 meeting marked the start of the next chapter in Martin’s career. Together with Lars Kry, he co-founded Sigma Resources – which later became A Society – where, as chairman, Martin once again saw one of his ventures thrive.
It also became clear to him that his true place was in the staffing industry, not on the tennis court. When Sigma IT evolved into Nexer, Martin took on the role of Deputy CEO, contributing his strategic acumen and entrepreneurial energy.
Together with Lars Kry, he has continued to propel businesses forward, their shared leadership philosophy inspiring countless colleagues. Martin generously shares his experiences, both within and beyond the company, and frequently leads leadership workshops where he lays out his guiding principles:
“My leadership rests on three pillars: a warm heart, a clear mind, and a firm handshake. There must be a balance between all three,” Martin explains.
This isn’t just philosophy – it’s practice. Martin strives to be an approachable leader, close to his employees, and he is passionate about his team’s growth and success. He is quick in decision-making, a trait he attributes to his legal background, but humble enough to change course when needed:
“Sometimes, any decision is better than no decision. But if I realise I’m wrong, I’ll change my mind damn fast. I’ve got great people around me, so there’s no reason to fight for a flawed position,” he says.
Martin firmly believes that success comes from surrounding yourself with the best. His formula for becoming the smartest person in the world is straightforward: assemble brilliant minds and connect them with your own. The team always outshines the individual, he insists, often citing Steve Jobs:
“I believe it was Steve Jobs who said: ‘A-players hire A+ players, while B-players hire C-players.’ That quote stuck with me, because it’s about having the courage to bring in people who are smarter than you, and I try to live by that,” Martin says.
This conviction also powers his commitment to the Nexer Future Leader Programme – a collaboration between Nexer Group, PION Group, and A Society – dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders through education, mentorship, and networking for youth aged 17 to 23.
For Martin, continuous learning and growth are non-negotiable – both for himself and his organisation. Despite holding a degree in engineering, law, and economics, he sees himself as a lifelong student:
“I see setbacks as opportunities to learn, and it’s at work that I pick up new skills and grow,” he says.
Sometimes, any decision is better than no decision.
– Martin Hansson
Martin labels himself a “work nerd” with no hobbies, but the reality is his energy spills far beyond the office. He keeps fit, enjoys gardening, and tackles ambitious hands-on projects like tree-felling and boat restoration.
His family are avid travellers, with a cherished retreat in South Africa where they recharge together. Martin speaks warmly of his loved ones, and while he jokes about being aloof with the family dog, his affection for both two- and four-legged companions is unmistakable.
Never one to stay idle for long, a few years ago Martin bought a vintage 1905 saloon boat and painstakingly restored it to its former glory.
“I invested a huge amount of energy into restoring it, and now I intend to enjoy every minute – cruising the archipelago, cigar in hand, serving cocktails in the saloon,” he says with obvious delight.
Martin’s inexhaustible drive shines through in all aspects of his life. When asked where he sees himself in five years, his answer is simple: “Doing what I’m doing today.” For Martin Hansson, it’s the journey, the evolution, and the people that count – and he has neither the time nor the desire to retire. He’s a leader of the highest calibre, seamlessly merging a sharp sense for business, authentic warmth, an irrepressible passion for life and always looking ahead.