Interviewing our new CEO Juho Himberg

Tell us about your background?

I have a passion for science and medical technology. I have worked in medical technology and healthcare for 30 years in various roles and functions, both in Finland and abroad, leading and managing operations worldwide.

I have a Master of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Helsinki in Finland. In addition, I studied finance and management at the University of Bern in Switzerland and completed an MBA degree from the University of Rochester in the United States. In my early career, I worked in chemical research in instrumental analysis. I was interested to learn more of the business side and was attracted by opportunities in the field of medical technology. I spent close to 20 years abroad in medical technology leadership roles at Gambro, C.R. Bard, and Stryker until I returned to Finland. As the CEO of the private hospital Orton, I also gained a perspective on the operations of the health care unit. Most recently, I was the CEO of the in vitro diagnostics company Aidian (formerly Orion Diagnostica).

I am originally from and grew up in Helsinki, Finland. I am married, and my wife and I have a 21-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son. We are fond owners of a Portuguese waterdog. In my free time, I enjoy reading. I also do sports, go to the gym, and play floorball with a group of friends I have known for decades. As a family we like to travel together, spend time at our countryside place in southwest archipelago and of course, love to play with our wonderful dog.

What is the first impression of Optomed?

I am very impressed! Optomed is a very modern and agile company, where a lot has been accomplished and what our people can be very proud of. The company culture is entrepreneurial, encouraging, and down-to-earth. People are highly capable and innovative here. Optomed has created good and high-quality products. I have great respect for what has been achieved so far.

What do you see as our company’s strengths at the moment?

Absolutely, it´s our people and their skills and capabilities. As a company, Optomed works at the forefront of development, daring to be path creators in the field. One example of this is the implementation of artificial intelligence in camera technology.

How do you see our company developing in the coming years?

Optomed is a growth company. Getting US FDA approval for our new product that combines artificial intelligence and camera technology, hopefully soon, will open an exciting new chapter for Optomed and transform the company significantly in the next few years. On top of this, there are a lot of interesting new developments happening in Optomed Software.

How would you best describe your leadership style?

My leadership style is conversational. Thinking together and exchanging perspectives helps people come to the best possible decision.

As a leader, I aim to build a learning environment, where there is strong collaboration across functions and teams, and a clear understanding of direction and shared goals – through trust, openness, transparency, and appreciation.

Your motto?

When you stop learning, you stop doing useful things.

Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.

I believe I am an open book. What I can tell you is that I really like British humor, for example Monty Python is great. On the other hand, I also see myself through the American Dilbert. I could imagine myself writing a Dilbert cartoon.