The award was presented at Stockholm Media Week on 10 September.
“Goosebumps! I was incredibly proud. This really is a team award and great recognition of the work our entire sales organisation does every day,” says Michael Lööb-Hili (picture to the right).
Schibsted was up against some of Sweden’s largest sales organisations in media and advertising, including Bonnier News, Aller Media and Acast. The winner is selected by a jury of representatives from Swedish media agencies.
What does this award mean?
“Above all, it means a lot because it comes from people at the media agencies who work with us and our competitors every day. They know what we offer, but also how we work. For us, good sales is about understanding the customer’s business, building trust and working together to find solutions that genuinely make a difference.”
The jury highlights exactly this in its citation. Schibsted is described as an organisation that combines scale with a consistent way of working, a high level of expertise and a genuine focus on customers. The jury also highlights the ability to share knowledge, create real value and be a partner that drives both development and results.
What would you say is behind the win?
“The people. We have so many talented colleagues with different skills working towards the same goal. When we combine the strength of Schibsted’s brands and products with insights, creativity, data and close customer relationships, we are really strong.”
“And curiosity. We constantly need to understand what our customers need, challenge ourselves and get better. We shouldn’t just show up with a product. We need to understand the problem and help solve it.”
The jury mentions trust several times. Why is it so important?
“Trust is absolutely essential. As the Nordic region’s largest news provider, it is the foundation of Schibsted, and the same applies to our commercial relationships. Our customers and partners trust us to be part of their business. We should never take that for granted.”
“That’s why this award is also an opportunity to thank all our customers and partners. For your trust, for challenging us and for giving us the opportunity to develop together.”
You say this is a team award. What do you mean by that?
“That we could never have won this on our own. Even though the sales organisation is accepting the award, what we offer our customers is built on the whole of Schibsted. On our journalism and our strong brands, but also on product development, data, insights, creativity and technology. It’s when all of that comes together that we are at our best.”
“So I think this is something we should all be proud of. And then keep moving forward. There is still so much more we can develop.”
The jury’s citation
“Schibsted, Sales Organisation of the Year, has shown that scale does not have to mean complexity. With a consistent way of working, a high level of expertise and a genuine focus on customers, they create business built on insights, collaboration and trust.
By generously sharing knowledge, staying close to their customers and always contributing solutions that create real value, they strengthen both business and the industry. Through curiosity, accessibility and a strong desire to make a difference, they have established themselves as a partner that does not simply sell media space, but drives development and results.”
