From farming dreams to shaping the future of food production
Jun 25, 2026
Mikael Gisslegård did not expect to build a career in technology.
As a teenager, he was convinced his future was farming. He attended agricultural school and spent a year working with livestock before realizing that his path might look a little different.
“I learned a lot during that time,” he says. “But I also realized there might be another way for me to contribute.”
That decision led him to engineering, international leadership roles, and eventually to Hotraco Group , part of Munters FoodTech, where he works with product management and strategy.
Munters FoodTech became Speria. The new brand brings together several of FoodTech’s recently acquired companies, including Hotraco. Together, they aim to help create an autonomous food supply chain that is both efficient and sustainable.
Today, Mikael helps shape technologies that support farmers, improve animal welfare, and contribute to more sustainable and efficient food production.
“In many ways, I’ve come full circle,” he says.
Turning change into opportunity
Throughout his career, Mikael has been drawn to transformation.
Whether working with teams across Europe, North America, or Asia, he has often found himself helping organizations adapt and improve.
For him, change is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“If someone says, ‘This is how we have always done it,’ then I am usually halfway out of the room already,” he says with a smile.
But successful transformation is not about forcing people to think differently. It is about helping them understand why change matters.
That is why he believes involving people early is critical. When people understand the purpose and feel their knowledge is valued, they are far more likely to embrace new ideas.
Putting the fish on the table
One leadership lesson has stayed with Mikael throughout his career.
A former leader once gave him a piece of advice that he still uses today:
“Put the fish on the table before it starts to smell.”
The message was simple: address problems early.
“When you identify an issue, bring it forward,” Mikael says. “The earlier you deal with it, the easier it is to solve.”
The philosophy has shaped his leadership style and the way he collaborates with colleagues, customers, and partners.
“You can be clear and still respectful,” he says.
For Mikael, trust is built when people are willing to have open conversations and work together to find solutions.
Supporting the future of food production
One of the things Mikael finds most exciting about Speria is the opportunity to help shape the future of farming and food production.
As agriculture becomes increasingly connected and data-driven, he sees enormous potential in automation, digitalization, and intelligent farm management solutions.
“The next generation wants flexibility,” he says. “They want technology that helps them make better decisions and manage operations more efficiently.”
Today, connected systems can help farmers monitor conditions remotely, access real-time insights, and optimize everything from climate conditions to production performance.
For Mikael, this is about much more than technology.
“It’s about creating better conditions for people, animals, and food production.”
By making farming more efficient and sustainable, he believes the industry can become even more attractive for future generations.
Learning from every generation
Despite decades of experience, Mikael believes some of the best ideas often come from younger colleagues.
Recently, he worked with a colleague helping the organization explore opportunities within AI and emerging technologies.
It reinforced something he has learned throughout his career: expertise can come from anywhere.
“We need different perspectives,” he says. “The best teams combine experience with new ideas.”
Working across different countries and cultures has also taught him the importance of staying curious.
“You should never stop learning,” he says.
Takeaway: Stay curious and keep moving forward
Mikael does not believe you need to have your entire career planned from the beginning.
His own journey, from agricultural school to engineering, international leadership, and product strategy, is proof of that.
Instead, he believes growth comes from staying curious, being willing to learn, and embracing opportunities when they appear.
His advice to future talents is simple:
“Find something you are passionate about and become really good at it.”
Because whether you are developing technology, supporting customers, or helping shape the future of food production, success starts with curiosity and a willingness to keep moving forward.
And if challenges appear along the way?
Remember to “put the fish on the table” before it starts to smell.
When asked what he does outside work, Mikael does not hesitate.
His answer is simple: Spend time with family.
“My wife and daughters are everything,” he says.
After decades of international travel, leadership roles, and constant change, family remains his anchor. It is where he finds perspective, energy, and motivation to keep moving forward.
Because while growth is important and learning never stops, having people who support you along the journey might be the most important fuel of all.
About Mikael
- Mikael works with product management and strategy at Hotraco Group, part of Speria, the commercial brand formerly known as Munters FoodTech.
- He has more than 25 years of international leadership experience and is passionate about innovation, continuous improvement, and helping shape the future of food production.
- Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and believes strong relationships are the foundation for both personal and professional growth.
Curious about working at Munters? Check out our careers section.
·
