On August 30, 2024, Rami Jensen, President and CEO of JYSK, celebrated his 50th birthday. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of his career at JYSK, which began as an intern in Esbjerg, Denmark.
Rami Jensen reflects, 'Retail has given me a wonderful career, and I enjoy going to work every day.' Raised in Esbjerg with his mother and brother, Rami graduated from Esbjerg Gymnasium in 1994. Although he initially had no clear career path, he stumbled into the retail world by chance in 1994. Today, he is only the third person to serve as President and CEO of JYSK in its 45-year history.
As President and CEO, Rami oversees more than 3,400 stores in 48 countries and manages over 31,000 employees. 'It's a great privilege to lead one of Denmark's most renowned global retail companies and ensure we stay true to our core values while expanding and developing our business,' says Rami.
A missed opportunity became a career
Rami had not planned on a retail career but ended up taking an internship at a local JYSK store after missing out on another job opportunity. This chance led to a meeting with then-Store Manager Bo V. Andersen, now Country Director of JYSK Denmark. 'I didn't know at that moment that this would shape my career. If you find something you're interested in and enjoy, you'll become good at it over time,' Rami notes.
Career highlights
Since starting at JYSK as an intern in 1994, Rami has held over 20 different roles, including Store Manager, Country Director of Hungary, and Executive Vice President of Business Development. In 2018, he briefly left JYSK to become CEO of ILVA, another Lars Larsen Group retail company, before returning to JYSK in 2022 as Deputy President & CEO, working alongside former President & CEO Jan Bøgh.
Jan Bøgh says, 'Rami has had one of the most impressive careers at JYSK, and I'm proud of his achievements and our collaboration. He has always had a strong understanding of retail and is open to new opportunities at JYSK.'
Looking ahead
Rami took over as President & CEO of JYSK in September 2023 and looks forward to the future. 'While I'm turning 50 this year, I'm especially proud to celebrate 30 years with JYSK. I'm confident we will continue to achieve more successes and milestones at JYSK,' he says.
Rami lives in Silkeborg, Denmark, with his wife, two teenagers, and their family dog.
More information:
Jysk
www.jysk.com