NordCham Philippines has welcomed Axel Fries as its new Executive Director. A Swedish-Filipino with a professional background spanning Sweden, the United States, and now the Philippines, Fries brings a dynamic perspective rooted in both entrepreneurship and investment.
After years spent founding startups in the US and working in venture capital in the Philippines, Fries relocated to Manila in March 2024. He describes his transition to NordCham as an opportunity to merge his experience in fast-moving, data-driven environments with the Chamber’s mission to foster Nordic-Philippine business relations.
In his first weeks on the job, Fries has already represented NordCham at several high-profile events. These include the General Membership Meeting of the Management Association of the Philippines, the launch of the Ease of Doing Business Reform Guidebook hosted by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and the 3rd Philippines Wind Energy Forum co-organized with NIRAS Asia, GWEC, and the Danish Embassy. He also hosted a delegation from Lithuania’s Vilnius Chamber and BLEENDED IT Cluster to explore strategic partnerships.
Fries has emphasized a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and agility in NordCham’s programs. “My background in startups has taught me to be adaptable, agile, and forward-thinking—qualities I hope to bring to NordCham as we look to the year ahead,” he wrote in his first message to members.
Among the initiatives he highlighted are NordCham’s engagement with sustainability policy through the Extended Producer Responsibility Forum, and its ongoing support for gender diversity in the maritime sector through the Joint Maritime Committee.
Fries invites members to connect with him via email at [email protected] or through LinkedIn, underscoring his open-door approach to collaboration across the Nordic-Philippine business community.
