Ikea CEO Jesper Brodin in the Running to Become UN Refugee Chief
Christine Schraner Burgener, who served as head of the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) until the end of 2024, is now in the running for a high-profile post at the United Nations. The 62-year-old is seeking to become the next United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), based in Geneva — a candidacy officially endorsed by the Swiss government in December 2024.
In November, the UN General Assembly will elect a successor to Filippo Grandi of Italy, who is stepping down at the end of the year after nearly a decade as High Commissioner. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will play a key role in the selection process, nominating one candidate for approval by the General Assembly.
There is considerable interest in the position: according to a list provided to Swiss newspaper group CH Media by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), ten other individuals applied for the top job by the deadline on Tuesday evening, 7 October, in addition to Ms Schraner Burgener.
Two internationally prominent names stand out on that list: Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, and Jesper Brodin, long-time CEO of Ingka, the holding company behind Swedish furniture giant Ikea. Mr Brodin has announced he will be stepping down as Ingka CEO in November 2025.
Jesper Brodin: Corporate Experience in the UNHCR Race
Ms Hidalgo has raised her international profile in recent months. However, her eleven-year tenure as mayor has yielded mixed reviews, and support from French President Emmanuel Macron for the Socialist's bid is said to be lukewarm.
Jesper Brodin, a Swedish national, has spent over 30 years at Ikea and is widely regarded as a business leader with a political edge. A regular at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he has championed climate action and —in partnership with the UNHCR— launched a programme providing thousands of refugees with jobs and vocational training at Ikea.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry and Ingka Holding did not respond to requests from CH Media about Mr Brodin’s candidacy.
According to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Ms Schraner Burgener brings extensive diplomatic experience, a proven ability to manage crisis situations, expertise in international law and a strong global network to the race. While the department declined to comment on her chances, it stated: «Switzerland considers Christine Schraner Burgener a strong candidate» — citing, among other things, her service as UN Special Envoy to Myanmar from 2018 to 2021.
That role may well be her strongest credential. She was appointed Special Envoy by António Guterres himself seven years ago. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Secretary-General holds her in high regard, is on first-name terms with her and reportedly has her mobile number.
In the Shadow of Trump: Challenges Facing the UNHCR
UN expert Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group declined to speculate on the outcome. But whoever takes the helm at the UNHCR will face «a nightmarish financial situation» and «a rough time». The United States has historically been the agency’s largest donor — but under Donald Trump’s administration, contributions have been slashed by more than half this year. As a result, the organisation has already been forced to cut 5,000 jobs — over a quarter of its workforce.
In his speech to the UN in September, «Donald Trump made clear his distaste for all efforts by the United Nations to help refugees and migrants», Gowan elaborates. The US government is also pushing to restrict asylum rights. «Trump's team sees this as a way to rile up populist movements at home and abroad», says Richard Gowan. He suspects that Washington will increasingly pick fights with the UNHCR and withhold more money in the years ahead,
Financial Constraints and the Role of Donor Countries
It remains unclear what criteria Secretary-General Guterres will prioritise when selecting his nominee. The UNHCR’s strained finances could work in favour of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo or Germany’s former State Secretary Niels Annen — both of whom represent major donor nations.
Likewise, the organisation’s need for cost-cutting and restructuring may benefit Jesper Brodin, an experienced corporate executive from Sweden, another key donor country. Or Matthew Crentsil of Ghana, who has spent over three decades working for the UNHCR. In his application, he highlights his track record as a reformer and fundraiser within the agency.
Christine Schraner Burgener, by contrast, is expected to bank on her diplomatic experience, global connections, and close rapport with Guterres.
All the candidates at a glance- Christine Schraner Burgener, former State Secretary (Switzerland)
- Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Holding (Sweden)
- Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris (France)
- Niels Annen, former State Secretary (Germany)
- Szymon Holownia, Speaker of Parliament (Poland)
- Nicole de Moor, former State Secretary (Belgium)
- Ahmet Yildiz, UN Ambassador (Turkey)
- Barham Salih, former President (Iraq)
- Arancha González Laya, former Foreign Minister (Spain)
- Pekka Haavisto, former Foreign Minister (Finland)
- Matthew Kwesi Crentsil (Ghana), UNHCR Representative in Uganda
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