Region Västra Götaland has officially appointed Richard Karlsson as its new digitalization director, according to an announcement from the regional government. Karlsson had been serving as acting digitalization director since the beginning of the year following the retirement of his predecessor, Ann-Marie Schaffrath.
Region Director Ann-Charlotte Järnström made the appointment after what she described as a recruitment process with many qualified candidates. In a statement, Järnström said, 'After a recruitment process with many qualified applicants, I have appointed Richard Karlsson as digitalization director in Västra Götalandsregionen (VGR). He was recruited to VGR already in 2020, then as IT manager, and has since the turn of the year had the role of acting digitalization director after Ann-Marie Schaffrath retired.'
After a recruitment process with many qualified applicants, I have appointed Richard Karlsson as digitalization director in Västra Götalandsregionen (VGR). He was recruited to VGR already in 2020, then as IT manager, and has since the turn of the year had the role of acting digitalization director after Ann-Marie Schaffrath retired.
Karlsson joined VGR in 2020 as IT manager, where he was responsible for leading, driving, and overseeing the development, management, operation, and support of the region's IT services. Prior to joining VGR, Karlsson served as IT director at the global technology company HCL Technologies and held various management positions within the Volvo Group, including roles as IT director at Volvo Group and Senior Manager at Volvo Information Technology.
In his new role, Karlsson will be responsible for addressing the region's digitalization challenges, particularly in healthcare, where demographic changes with an aging population combined with reduced workforce present significant challenges for welfare competence provision. Karlsson stated, 'I want to contribute to creating Sweden's best healthcare and developing Västra Götaland. It is important for me to work with issues that really make a difference in society.'
I want to contribute to creating Sweden's best healthcare and developing Västra Götaland. It is important for me to work with issues that really make a difference in society.