The former chairman of Swedish recruitment firm Ogunsen (OGUN B:STO) has passed away, the company announced on 30 July. Björn Sprängare served as chairman of Ogunsen (formerly SJR in Scandinavia) from 2000 to 2020. He died on 25 July at age 84 after a brief illness.

“Björn was a charismatic and empathetic person with a strong belief in people,” Per Ogunro, Ogunsen’s founder and current chairman, said in a press release. “During our time together, the company has experienced both ups and downs and it is often only in adversity that you understand the importance of a competent board. Björn brought us the experience and competence we lacked, and with his ability to combine structure with high ceilings led he company to the right decision.”

Sprängare held several prominent positions including as CEO of the MoDo Group and as CEO of Trygg Hansa. He was also governor within the Royal Court States and chairman of the Swedish Hunters’ Association.

“Björn was a competent and valued person who always shared his experiences both from professional life and life. His presence at Ogunsen was not only professionally enriching but also a source of personal inspiration and development for all of us where he strongly contributed to our corporate culture,” Fredrik Lidberg, Ogunsen’s deputy managing director and board member since 1993, said in a press release. “We have had the privilege of having Björn with us for 24 years, first as chairman and for the last few years as chairman of our election committee. Björn leaves a big void and always comes to be a person I am eternally grateful to have gotten to know.”