Journey Together | Inter IKEA Group CEO's 2025 China Visit
Jon’s 2025 China Visit Checklist
Visit IKEA office in Shanghai
Participate in co-worker sharing sessions
Experience IKEA’s smart-driving electric truck
Visit IKEA stores in Shanghai
Visit suppliers
Attend China Development Forum
Meet with Chinese media
……
Inter IKEA Group CEO Jon Abrahamsson Ring had a packed schedule in China, spanning a week and multiple cities. Let’s take a look at some of the memorable highlights from his trip.
Media Highlights: Looking forward to the next 60 years in China
Jon’s visit provided valuable opportunities to engage with both domestic and international media. He was interviewed by Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, China Media Group, China Daily, International Business Daily, CNN, and Bloomberg. In these conversations, he shared IKEA’s strategic vision and future plans in China.
CCTV Coverage
Jon emphasized IKEA’s long-term commitment:
"We have been operating in China for 60 years, and we plan to stay rooted here for the next 60 years. We believe in China!"
China Daily Coverage
In an exclusive interview, Jon discussed shared values between IKEA and China in areas like sustainability and accessibility. He reaffirmed IKEA’s long-standing and ongoing dedication to the Chinese market.
CNN Coverage
Jon also spoke about global trade as a catalyst for sustainability and affordability transformations:
"We believe that trade will be a key enabler for some of these important transformations that need to be done now."
This trip allowed IKEA to strengthen ties with the media and reaffirm its dedication to growing with China.
Journey Together: Small Changes, Big Difference
Caring for people is at the core of IKEA’s values. Jon spent time communicating with co-workers both offline and online to hear their insights and learn about innovations happening across the company in China.
At the “Affordability Loves Sustainability Fair,” IKEA co-workers presented innovations in materials and sustainability. Helen Chen, Business Development Manager, introduced improvements to the LOMVIKEN picture frame. By optimizing the production process and reducing aluminium use, the frame became 49% lighter, achieved 6% cost savings, and maintained its quality—all while lowering CO₂ emissions and transportation costs.
In logistics, Jon explored IKEA’s new smart-driving electric trucks, which feature intelligent systems that optimize driving modes, reduce fatigue, enhance safety, and support sustainable transport. Officially launched at the end of 2024, the project marks a major step toward a greener future.'
Retail Innovation and Consumer Engagement
Jon also visited the Shanghai Baoshan and Linkong stores, where he explored how IKEA is adapting to new retail trends in China. At the Baoshan store, he witnessed a live-streaming studio in action, providing an immersive experience and deeper understanding of how social media and interactive sales are shaping modern consumer behavior in China.