2022.06.27
Jaime Rico – new chairman of Sme-d
— Sme-d's most important goal in 2022 is to make our decision-makers understand the importance of what small and medium-sized companies can contribute to Sweden's total defense. Our member companies are at the forefront of creative high-tech solutions and the defense authorities must become better at utilizing this, says Jaime Rico, who currently is sales manager for the public sector at Synkzone.
Over the past ten years, Jaime has seen up close the importance and benefit that private actors can contribute to the construction and maintenance of Sweden's defense, especially smaller companies with a proximity to ideas and technological development that larger companies sometimes lack.
"A trade organization like Sme-d exists for the interests of its members, but we also give members the opportunity to easily get involved in issues they are passionate about. In addition, through dialogue and collaboration, we can reduce the distance between our members and the Government Offices, the Armed Forces and FMV," he says.
That all companies in the defense sector, large and small, should have the opportunity to contribute on as equal terms as possible is one of several issues that Jaime Brinner is a little extra concerned about.
— We are a trade organization that protects small and medium-sized companies in Sweden within the defense and security industry. All types of companies that feel they want to contribute to total defense should have the opportunity to do so and are also welcome to join us as a trade organization.
Changing image of defense
Jaime's first contact with the defense and security sector was during the coup d'état in Chile, from which he later fled to Sweden with his parents and a younger brother.
— After fleeing a dictatorship, my attitude towards the defense was not the best, but after my military service at K4, Arvidsjaur, my image changed. Instead of doing my homework, I went to F21 in Luleå, became a cadet in the air force, and until 2001 I worked as a professional officer.
After a brief stint in the telecom sector, Jaime found his way back to the defense sector in 2005 and has since worked in consulting, business development, sales and industry organizations.
— I like a fast pace, which can feel contradictory in a sector with built-in inertia, but I believe that my experience and personality can contribute with action and move the positions of Sme-d forward. We have both product companies and service companies, our collaboration with SACS makes us stronger together. There are many synergies when we strengthen Civil Defense and the military. We want to grow because together we build the resilience of Swedish companies, concludes Jaime.