Future Advisory Board

What is the Future Advisory Board?

FAB brings together a diverse mix of experts, thought leaders, technologists, and innovators. With a new group appointed each year, we ensure a continuous flow of fresh perspectives and ideas. The goal is to identify emerging trends, challenge established ways of working, and recommend five concrete actions within a chosen theme, that Reitan Retail can implement to lead in responsible development.

At Reitan Retail, we work to make everyday life a little easier – and the world a little better. To fulfill that vision, we must listen to people: our customers – who are our ultimate boss – our franchisees, our employees, and importantly, voices from outside our organization.

By bringing together a network of forward-thinking minds, we invite fresh perspectives from across disciplines, interests, and value systems that we may not otherwise encounter in our daily operations.

Why did Reitan Retail establish FAB?

As one of the largest retail companies in the Nordics, Reitan Retail has both a responsibility and an opportunity to positively influence society. FAB was created to introduce new voices and perspectives that help us better understand – and take ownership of – some of the most critical challenges of the future: sustainability, technology, consumer behavior, artificial intelligence, and social justice.

Between now and 2050, our society must transition toward lower emissions, reduced waste, and more conscious consumption. At the same time, technology is evolving at unprecedented speed, with more aspects of everyday life becoming digital. Climate change, digital disruption, and the rise of AI are transforming the world around us – and changing how people buy and interact with goods and services.

How does FAB work?

FAB is chaired by Birgit Skarstein and meets several times a year, both in person and virtually. The board operates independently and delivers an annual report with five specific recommendations. Reitan Retail commits to implementing at least one of them.

Through this yearly process, we aim to broaden our horizons and place our business in a larger societal context – beyond day-to-day operations. We call it Retail with a conscience.

FAB is renewed each year with a new panel and a new theme. A dedicated team at Reitan Retail supports the process, and the model is continuously developed to ensure long-term value and insight.

Why FAB matters

With over 46,000 employees and two million daily customer interactions, Reitan Retail has a significant influence on how people shop, live, and relate to technology. FAB is not just an internal initiative – it’s a model for how business can take responsibility in the face of digitalization, AI, and climate challenges.

We are a forward-looking company with the ability and the responsibility to shape everyday life for the better. FAB helps us look ahead, think boldly, and prepare for the needs of tomorrow’s customers.

Everything we do at Reitan Retail is about building a company strong enough for what lies ahead.