Long-term transformation in a complex and regulated industrial environment (2019-2025).

This case describes assignments carried out by Peter Björnholm in a previous consulting context. These experiences and ways of working now form a central part of Axonis' offering.

AstraZeneca in Södertälje operates in an environment where quality, regulatory compliance and delivery capability are business-critical. Between 2019-2025, several extensive change initiatives were carried out with the aim of creating more sustainable structures, stronger execution capability and an improved work environment.

Focus of the assignment

Peter Björnholm held several senior roles, including busines architect, analyst, and leadership coach. The assignments spanned organizational transformation, development ways of working, as well as leadership- and TPM-related initiatives.

The common goal was clear: to create structure and direction in complex contexts - without losing sight of the people involved.

Organizational Transformation

Part of the organization faced high absenteeism, increasing stre, declining productivity, and resource-intensive ways of working that were not sustainable in the long term.

The work began with a joint current-state analysis and continued with:

• Clear target vision and realistic action plan
• Active dialogue with management, internal stakeholders, and unions
• Implementation with strong employee engagement

This led to a clear shift from person-dependent work practice to structured ways of working that created clarity, balanced workloads, and better decision-making.

As a result, the work has contributed to:

• Clear roles and service offerings
• Standardized management systems
• Staff reduced to approximately 80% without compromising delivery
• Increased value-adding work (+ ~5%)
• Reduced stress and improved health presence

TPM and Leadership for AstraZeneca

In parallel, long-term efforts were made to strengthen AstraZeneca's TPM capability

These efforts included:

• Trainer role in the Global TPM Academy (over 35 completed sessions)
• Development of pedagogy and leadership modules
• Individual leadership coaching before and after the academy
• Project management of a region-wide TPM initiative in Sweden

The results were a more unified, practical and sustainable TPM approach, as well as stronger leadership focused on robust and high-performing organizations.

Approach

The guiding principle throughout the assignments was: "Push hard on the process - be fair to the people".

Relevance for Axonis' Clients

In summary, the experiences from this assignment at AstraZeneca clearly shape Axonis' approach to complex change, leadership and organizational development - especially in environments with high demand on quality, safety, and long-term sustainability.