Exploring our history

Eduard Fränckel, Technical Director of the Swedish State Railways, was appointed AB Atlas's first Managing Director. Eduard Fränckel was one of the driving forces behind the creation of AB Atlas.

Together with the Wallenberg brothers, K.A. and Marcus, Oscar Lamm was in charge of the liquidation of AB Atlas in 1890 and the formation of its corporate successor Nya AB Atlas. 

Gunnar Jacobsson, Managing Director of Nya AB Atlas from 1909, continued in the same position at AB Atlas Diesel after the merger with AB Diesels Motorer in 1917. He expanded the pneumatic line with new tools and air compressors. 

Walter Wehtje represented a new kind of leadership in what had until then been a technology-dominated company. Previously head of a department store in Stockholm, he was a businessman brought up in sales and marketing. 

Kurt-Allan Belfrage shifted the focus to research and development, including major modernization and expansion plans for the production plants. The oil-free air compressor was introduced and opened up new customer segments and applications.

Erik Johnsson 's lasting achievement lies chiefly in the sphere of industrial marketing, where he acted as a pioneer and never-failing source of energy. It was Erik Johnsson who instigated the idea of offering a complete solution rather than selling an isolated product. 

Tom Wachtmeister was first employed by the Group in 1959 and held various positions before he was appointed Managing Director in 1975. He further decentralized the organization and divided it into divisions and three business areas. 

The Group's development under Michael Treschow can be summarized as better stability, increased profitability, and healthy growth, both through product development and acquisitions. He introduced a new concept, the brand portfolio strategy. 

Giulio Mazzalupi was the first non-Swede appointed President and CEO. He strengthened the Group's position through successful product innovations, a new production strategy, and improved after-sales service to customers.

Gunnar Brock took the company back to the core through divestments, but he also expanded into road construction. Putting more feet on the street and thus creating a more customer-centric organization were important strategies

Ronnie Leten further enhanced the customer focus and developed the service business in all areas. The business grew tremendously during his leadership both organically and through acquisitions. 

Mats Rahmström followed the tradition of focusing on product innovation. Two other areas he prioritized were creating tangible customer value and building passionate teams.

Vagner Rego is CEO of Atlas Copco Group as of 1st May 2024. He first joined the company in 1996.