Jørgen Stenberg won many victories along the way but lost his battle with cancer
Jørgen Stenberg leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond titles and years. For more than four decades, he was a defining presence at Hans Følsgaard A/S – as an engineer, a salesperson, a leader, a managing director, and above all as a deeply respected and caring human being. For many of us, Jørgen was quite simply HF (Hans Følsgaard).
At the age of just 26, Jørgen joined the company in 1977. He quickly distinguished himself as a highly skilled salesperson with a strong ability to communicate with customers. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, which in 2002 led him to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, after which he played a key role in the company’s development and consolidation.
Jørgen was the architect behind important acquisitions, the establishment of HF Holding A/S, and the foundation that later enabled a well-considered generational transition and the sale to Addtech. Yet for Jørgen, leadership was never just about structures, strategies, or numbers. It was first and foremost about people and relationships.
Jørgen led with openness, trust, and a deep belief in giving responsibility – and freedom – to others. His door was always open, in every sense of the word. Employees were seen, heard, and given the opportunity to develop, take responsibility, and engage. he wellbeing of employees mattered greatly to him, and strong personal relationships were a cornerstone of both his leadership style and the company culture. He truly cared about community and nurtured it through traditions, shared experiences, and a genuine interest in people – also when working life blended into private life. He was equally committed outside the company, contributing actively to trade fair committees with MCH and Veltek for Automatik, HI, and El & Teknik.
With calm determination and a steady hand, Jørgen guided the company through several challenging periods. He had an exceptional ability to anticipate change, respond decisively, and make the right decisions.
When Jørgen introduced the “TeknikPartner” concept in 2006, he set a clear and lasting direction for Følsgaard – one that continues to inspire better solutions, stronger competencies, and close, trusting relationships with partners.
Jørgen was known for his strong work ethic and tireless energy. Being busy was not the exception, but the norm. He worked hard himself – and expected commitment in return – while also granting considerable freedom to those who took responsibility. He believed in common sense, integrity, and respect for agreements made, in thorough preparation and solid craftsmanship rather than clever buzzwords and quick fixes. Details mattered, and nothing was left to chance.
At the same time, he was inclusive, loyal, and steadfast – a man in both good times and bad, whether it concerned colleagues, partners, or Brøndby IF. He had little patience for negativity and pettiness and always preferred to see the glass half full, focusing on opportunities rather than obstacles.
Even after stepping down as CEO, Jørgen remained closely connected to Følsgaard as Chairman of the Følsgaard Foundation and as a highly valued senior advisor. His presence, experience, and values continued to live on as an integral part of Følsgaard’s DNA.
Jørgen will be remembered as far more than a skilled leader and businessman. He was a bearer of culture, a unifying force, and a person who genuinely wanted others to thrive and succeed – together.
He leaves behind a strong legacy, a living culture, and countless cherished memories.
Thank you for everything, Jørgen.