In 2021, Thomas Laurell joined Visit Stockholm as Chief of Staff with responsibility for, among other things, the company's analysis and strategy development. Great focus is on sustainable development and how this can be created through reorganization of existing structures and in collaboration.
With two decades in strategy development, company management and change management in the hospitality industry behind him, Thomas has extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry's challenges and needs. Among other things, he has driven the development of national strategies for the growth of the Swedish hospitality industry and was responsible for public opinion work for reduced VAT rates in the restaurant industry. Thomas has also worked as Public Affairs Manager at Visita - the industry and employer organization for the hospitality companies in Sweden and also Head of Strategy at Swedavia, the company that owns the state's airports in Sweden.