Meet Andreas Takacs, Director of Procurement, atNorth 

Andreas Takacs on Building a Global Procurement Function from the Ground Up 

Interview conducted by Bylgja Pálsdóttir, Senior Communications Manager 

Our Meet the Minds series continues with a conversation with our Director of Procurement, Andreas Takacs. A natural storyteller with a passion for all things at sea – from ships to ports, plus the art of negotiation, Andreas brings a rich, global perspective to the atNorth team. From his childhood dreams of sailing the seven seas to leading procurement transformations across Europe and beyond, Andreas has followed a uniquely winding path to where he is today. 

Tell us a bit about yourself – when did you join atNorth and what’s your role? 

I joined atNorth in May 2024 as Director of Procurement. My role is to further strengthen and scale the procurement function – refining frameworks, processes, and agreements to support the business as it grows. It’s exciting to enhance and expand a department that’s already laying a strong foundation. 

Outside of work, I live in Södermalm in Stockholm with my partner Anette, and we spend as much time as possible at our summer house in the archipelago. We’re both lovers of classic art – and when I say classic, I mean pre-1600s. Anything newer doesn’t quite cut it! 

Let’s rewind. How did your career begin – and how has it evolved? 

Believe it or not, I originally wanted to become a marine engineer. That dream started at age six when I visited the bridge of a passenger ship. I even had an internship on an oil tanker in my teens and spent a summer on the Göta Canal a few years later. But as I pursued a maritime career, the mystery started to fade, and my focus shifted. I’d lived it, done what I’d set out to achieve, and I was ready to explore something new. 

I pivoted toward journalism and studied at the University of Lund while working for a local newspaper. But again – it didn’t feel like the forever plan. So, I continued my studies at Gothenburg University where I earned my degree in business and commercial law, which seemed a good and flexible platform for future career opportunities. This did open the door for me – after graduation, I was recruited by the Swedish energy company, Vattenfall, to their incredible trainee program before landing in the department of Corporate Strategies.  

From there, my career journey took me from strategic planning to trading weather derivatives (yes, really) as operations manager for Vattenfall in Hamburg, and eventually into procurement – almost by accident. I was asked to lead a change project in the Procurement department “just for a few months” – however, that short stint turned out to be a lifelong career move for me. 

Since then, I’ve led procurement teams across Europe, advised global organisations as a consultant with Silf, helped governments and NGOs, and even taught procurement in Panama and Shanghai. Every step reinforced my passion for this field. 

What moments stand out as the most memorable across your career? 

There are so many! Let me give a few highlights here: 

• One of my very first negotiations taught me that mastering the process of negotiation in business really is an art. While it was extremely challenging, it was also the start to learning and developing the skillset, which I’ve grown to love.  

• Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal with the Canal Company during an assignment. 

• Building an entire procurement function at Green Cargo during the pandemic – via Teams. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding. 

• Getting a private boat tour of the Port of Gothenburg (still one of my favourite places). 

• And at atNorth? My first day was unforgettable – I was welcomed with such warmth, I instantly knew I’d found the right place. 

• I’ve also had five visits to Iceland in my first year – the energy, people, and landscapes there are phenomenal. 

One of my favourite moments at atNorth happened after delivering a company-wide knowledge session on procurement. A colleague told me, “I never knew procurement could be this interesting and fun!” That was a real win. 

Looking ahead five years – where do you see yourself? 

Hopefully still at atNorth – but with the procurement function fully developed and playing a key role in supporting a larger and even more global organisation. By then, I might be one of the more experienced team members, sharing stories with newcomers about how we built things up during these exciting growth years. 

What are you most looking forward to this year? 

Continuing to elevate the procurement function and its increasing importance at atNorth. There is so much potential to create value, drive efficiencies, and support our growth. This year is all about momentum. 

Which atNorth value resonates most with you? 

Dependable. In procurement, dependability is everything – whether it’s a supplier, a contract, or a team member. I pride myself on being someone others can count on. 

And finally, how would you describe working at atNorth in just three words? 

Truly and utterly magnificent. 

(Yes, I know that’s four words, but sometimes rules are made to be negotiated.)