Sigurdur Brynjar

Sigurður is the CEO of BYKO and has over 20 years of experience in business operations and management. He has led the strategy and development of extensive operations with a focus on operational efficiency, product management and service development. Under his leadership, BYKO has been ranked first in the Icelandic Satisfaction Index for nine consecutive years, along with numerous other awards the company has received.

career

  1. Responsibility for the company's overall operations, strategy and continued development of the business.

    CEO – BYKO
    From 2014
    CEO – BYKO
    From 2014

    Responsibility for the company's overall operations, strategy and continued development of the business.

  2. Product Management Manager – BYKO
    2012–2014
    Product Management Manager – BYKO
    2012–2014
  3. Managing Director – Bakkinn varuhotel ehf.
    2008–2012
    Managing Director – Bakkinn varuhotel ehf.
    2008–2012
  4. Serves on the BYKO executive board
    Since 2008
    Serves on the BYKO executive board
    Since 2008
  5. Warehouse Manager – BYKO
    2004–2007
    Warehouse Manager – BYKO
    2004–2007
  6. Emphasis on inventory management and operational efficiency.

    Project Manager in Procurement – BYKO
    2000–2004
    Project Manager in Procurement – BYKO
    2000–2004

    Emphasis on inventory management and operational efficiency.

  7. Customs officer – Reykjavik Customs
    1994–1997
    Customs officer – Reykjavik Customs
    1994–1997
Creative project review

Education

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Master's degree in carpentry, 2026

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Journeyman's Certificate in Carpentry, 2024

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Carpentry, Breiðholt Multi-disciplinary School, 2021–2024

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Coaching, Evolvia, 2015–2016

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B.Sc. in Business Administration, with emphasis on logistics, 1999–2000

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Industrial Management, 1997–1999
Portfolio project overview

Successful projects and strategic contributions

  • Strategy development for BYKO in collaboration with Danish consulting firm Ogilvy under the title "Creating the best overall customer experience".
  • Formulation and implementation of BYKO's 2018 sustainability strategy under the motto "Sustainable together".
  • Development and design of Bakkann Vöruhótel ehf., which is owned by Norvík. Supervision of the project from concept to operation. Preparation of a business plan upon establishment, along with design of the building, warehouse system, internal organization and arrangement of products in the building.
  • New BYKO Breidd store: project management with responsibility for product flow, installation, product placement in the store, as well as end racks and campaign products.
  • BYKO's new pricing strategy: project management, which involved shaping and defining the project, as well as outlining work elements down to the stage and ensuring follow-up.
  • Sustainability axis 2 years in a row
  • Icelandic satisfaction scale 9 years in a row
  • Environmental Award - Kuðungurinn
  • 4DX implementation strategy with that approach



Strategic contribution

  1. Policy formulation and implementation
  2. Leadership and culture
  3. Product management and supply chain management
  4. B2B and B2c retail operations


Management and Leadership Studies

  • Frankilin Covey
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Managers
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 
  • The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity
  • The 4 Essential Roles of Leadership 
  • Management training at Capacent.
  • Course for key managers ("Standing for the Future")

â—‹ Including management evaluation, cost management, workplace culture and time management.

Headquarters

  • Board seat in the Icelandic Logistics Association.
  • Board of Directors at Bricoalliance
  • Futurology, professional group in Governance


Family and hobbies

Text in writing

A smiling professional in a navy blazer stands with hands in pockets against a backdrop of a city view through windows.

My vision

"I have decades of experience in operations, strategy and management and have worked in a variety of management positions for almost 25 years. As CEO of BYKO for the past 12 years, I have gained extensive knowledge of all major aspects of corporate operations; including strategy, finance, organizational change, human resources and building strong teams. This experience has given me a comprehensive and strong overall vision and I have acquired good skills in analyzing opportunities, assessing risks and making informed decisions.


I believe that success in operations and board positions is not only based on numbers and processes, but also on people, trust and good cooperation. In my work, I have placed great emphasis on leadership skills, where a clear vision, honesty and mutual trust create the basis for long-term success. I find it very easy to work with a diverse group of people, mobilize talents and build a strong team that achieves a common goal. This experience has served me well in challenging situations where turmoil and uncertainty prevail and deliberation is what counts and leads to good decisions.


I am strategic and results-driven by nature, curious and eager to learn and develop. I believe that a clear vision of a desirable future, guided by professionalism and human values, is the key to sustainable success. In my work, I have always emphasized creating a culture where ambition, responsibility, joy and collaboration go hand in hand with respect and encouragement.


The combination of education and experience that I possess, in my opinion, is well suited to board positions where a holistic vision, strategic thinking, responsibility, and human understanding are needed.


"I believe I can bring a valuable contribution to the board, where a balance between professional requirements, clear strategy and human factors is a key prerequisite for a good outcome."

Summary

Experienced, solution-oriented and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in strategy, operations and business development. Has led extensive operations for years with an emphasis on retail operations, operational efficiency, service and growth.


Possesses extensive knowledge of retail operations in both key markets (B2B / B2C), product management and supply chain, along with strong skills in leading change and developing organizations for the future. Emphasizes a results-driven approach, clear goal setting, leadership skills and strong and reliable interpersonal relationships that bring out the best in everyone.

Portfolio project overview

In the news

BYKO announces price freeze in fight against inflation

Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson, CEO of Byko, on pricing issues and inflation.

He does everything... except what he finds boring.

Sigurður Pálsson, CEO of BYKO, says that Virgo often comes out in him when it comes to household chores, and then he even goes too far.

Turnover increased by 40% from 2020

Byko's operating income amounted to ISK 29.5 billion in 2022, an increase of 42% from 2020.

Turnover increased by 40% from 2020

Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson, CEO of BYKO, says that excessively high housing prices for young people are a result of waste and the city of Reykjavík's densification policy.

Go to the cash register if necessary

Sigurður Brynjar Pálsson took over as CEO of BYKO in the summer of 2014, after having climbed almost the entire ladder of fame at the company.

Eighth year in a row

BYKO has the happiest customers for the eighth year in a row

Talks and interviews

Reviews


"Siggi P. is a sincere and inspired leader who has a deep respect for people and a unique ability to bring out the best in everyone. Under his leadership, outstanding results have been achieved. He leads with a clear vision, sets the bar high and believes that diversity and a good workplace are the keys to lasting success."


"With his warmth, integrity, and strong leadership skills, he is a highly worthy and desirable choice for the board."

– Gunnhildur Arnardóttir, Managing Director of Stjórnvísi

"I’ve truly enjoyed working with you and have always admired your ability to combine strong vision with a very practical, hands-on approach that brings clarity and direction to those around you. You’re not afraid to make bold decisions when needed and navigate change with confidence, which is a rare and valuable quality. On top of that, I’ve genuinely appreciated working with you on a personal level as well. I would consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to work with you again."

-Emma J. E. Petersson, Client Service Director & Head of Consulting  OGILVY


"In my work as a management coach, I have worked with diverse leaders and observed what really distinguishes those who both achieve success and build a strong culture. In that light, it has been particularly interesting to observe

Sigga P. He possesses a rare balance – being both strong on a human level and clear in operations. He manages to create trust and connection while setting a clear direction, making decisions and staying focused on results. In our collaboration, I have seen how he builds a team where people grow, take responsibility and contribute with integrity."

-Guðrún Snorradóttir, management trainer, www.gudrunsnorra.com


"Sigurður is an outstanding professional in management and operations. He possesses a rare combination of clear strategic vision, understanding of key operational issues and sincere respect for people and situations. His ability to lead large transformation projects – both in established environments and in times of change – reflects his courage, boldness, adaptability and determination. Sigurður places a strong emphasis on understanding the needs and expectations of stakeholders and systematically strives to exceed them. He is unafraid of innovations, maintains a clear focus on key performance indicators and ensures that the progress of people and projects is built on a solid foundation.

"With careful leadership, Sigurður has succeeded in building a results-driven culture and successful operations, characterized by responsibility, collaboration and continuous improvement."

-Gudrún Högnadóttir, Managing Partner, CEO of Franklin Covey

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