The UNHCR is grappling with surging global displacement at a time when the United States — traditionally the world’s top donor — has heavily slashed foreign aid under President Donald Trump, wreaking havoc across the globe.

Current UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said in early October that the agency had shed nearly 5,000 jobs this year following cuts to international aid.

Sweden’s government said it had put forward Brodin to become United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees “based on the conviction that future humanitarian efforts demand new forms of leadership — in which collaboration between development cooperation and business plays a key role”.

“The UN system would be strengthened by a person with business experience, especially given the major challenges now facing the UN,” Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation, said in a statement.

“That’s why someone who knows how to keep hold of the purse strings and deliver efficient operations is needed,” Dousa added.

The government noted that Brodin had cooperated with UNHCR to establish programmes for employing refugees.

Brodin has been the chief executive of Ingka Group, the holding company controlling most of Ikea’s stores, since 2017, but the company announced earlier this year that he had decided to move on.

Ingka said in August that deputy CEO Juvencio Maeztu would take over as CEO by Nov 5, with Brodin staying with the company until February 2026.