Thomas Ekström, chief financial officer of Relais Group, will step down from his role and the group management team no later than October 2026 after more than three years of service to pursue opportunities outside the company.

Ekström’s departure comes after a period in which he supported the company through significant growth and development, and the process to appoint a successor will begin immediately, the Finland-based serial acquirer announced today. 

Since Relais appointed its new Swedish CEO, Christian Gebauer, in January, it has added three management team members amid its expansion strategy in the vehicle aftermarket, according to Listeds data. The company reported net sales of EUR 383.4 million in 2025 and has operations across eight countries, employing approximately 1,700 people.

“I would like to thank Thomas for his strong commitment and valuable contribution to Relais Group,” said CEO Christian Gebauer. “During his time with the company, he has supported the Group in an important phase of growth and development. I wish him all the best for the future.”

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Relais Group CFO Thomas Ekström to seek other opportunities after three years of service

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Credit: Relais, Thomas Ekström

Credit: Relais, Thomas Ekström

Thomas Ekström, chief financial officer of Relais Group, will step down from his role and the group management team no later than October 2026 after more than three years of service to pursue opportunities outside the company.

Ekström’s departure comes after a period in which he supported the company through significant growth and development, and the process to appoint a successor will begin immediately, the Finland-based serial acquirer announced today. 

Since Relais appointed its new Swedish CEO, Christian Gebauer, in January, it has added three management team members amid its expansion strategy in the vehicle aftermarket, according to Listeds data. The company reported net sales of EUR 383.4 million in 2025 and has operations across eight countries, employing approximately 1,700 people.

“I would like to thank Thomas for his strong commitment and valuable contribution to Relais Group,” said CEO Christian Gebauer. “During his time with the company, he has supported the Group in an important phase of growth and development. I wish him all the best for the future.”

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Authors

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Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Journalist

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Authors

Journalist

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

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