With a drumroll and confetti, the winners of the Bonnier Sales Awards were announced during a gala dinner and ceremony in Stockholm.
Stockholm City Hall, where the Nobel Prize ceremony is held, was the scene this evening of a different kind of award: the Bonnier Sales Awards. Sales people from around the Bonnier world converged on Stockholm to see who would win the Bonnier Sales Awards 2013, which were announced late in the evening.
The awards kicked off earlier in the day with an afternoon seminar led by Sara Öhrvall, formerly of Bonnier R&D and current board member of Expressen, Adlibris and Mag+, among others. “To quote Meredith Levien at Forbes: We’re no longer in the media sales business, we’re now in the enterprise technology sales business,” said Öhrvall at the conclusion of the first part of the seminar. Look at pictures from the seminar on our Facebook page.
In the evening, the guests celebrated at a gala dinner and ceremony hosted by Ulrika Saxon, chairman of the awards jury and TV4 celebrity Tilde de Paula Eby. “The best of the best are gathered here this important evening when we show our appreciation and gratitude towards all the dedicated sales people throughout Bonnier,” said Saxon, who noted it had been a challenge for the jury to select the 14 finalists from the 75 nominated sales people and asked all who had been nominated to stand for a round of applause.
Following dinner – the same menu eaten by the guests attending the Nobel prize ceremony – and entertainment, that included Swedish pop star Agnes, the winners were announced with fanfare:
Jim Jansson, TV4, Sales Rookie of the Year
The jury wrote: “Jim Jansson may be a rookie, but he has the skills of a seasoned salesperson – and the sales to prove it. His positive, humble and helpful attitude have given his whole team a new momentum.”
Mats Lagus, Dagens industri, Sales Manager of the Year
The jury wrote: “Mats Lagus sees the big picture and always acts for the best of his team, his customers and Dagens industri. As a sales manager, Mats doesn’t stand behind his team, he stands in front.”
Sakari Palsola, MTV, Multi-Channel Sales of the Year
The jury wrote: “Sakari Palsola is reliable, persistent and can seal even complicated deals. This former ice hockey captain knows it takes teamwork, a desire to win and hard work to get results.
Maria Wiss, TV4, Sales Representative of the Year
The jury wrote: “Maria Wiss balances being both a team player and a game winner with ease. Where others give up, she steps on the gas. Her expertise and passion make it nearly impossible for customers to say no.”