Systematic recruits another top-profile from the Danish Armed Forces

Defence organisations worldwide have invested massively in advanced software – but are still thinking in analogue terms. At Systematic, Susanne Kiholm Lund will strengthen customers' use of the technology so they get its full operational effect.

After 38 years in key positions across the armed forces, Brigadier General Susanne Kiholm Lund is joining Systematic as Senior Director in the company's defence business. The Danish software company delivers the command-and-control system SitaWare to NATO and more than 50 countries worldwide, and Susanne will now ensure that defence organisations extract the full operational value from the system.

"When a nation invests in one of the world's most advanced command-and-control systems, it is essential that the entire organisation learns to think within it from top to bottom – not just the staff personnel behind a computer screen," says Susanne Kiholm Lund.

In modern warfare, the ability to make faster and better decisions than the adversary is decisive. Technology is a key enabler – but only if the organisation is equipped to use it.

"It is not enough simply to buy the product and assume that value will follow. You train the users, of course, but far too often we as commanders, staffs and military organisations still think in analogue terms. Staff officers spend time on calculations that AI can handle in seconds. In a time of massive rearmament and rising threats, we cannot afford to leave the potential of the technology untapped," she says.

Knows the armed forces like few others – now putting that knowledge to new use

The former brigadier general brings with her an impressive combination of competencies and an understanding of military organisations that very few can match.

"Susanne has worked across all levels and branches of the armed forces – from developing officers to operational staffs, from Danish doctrine to NATO and international missions. Her knowledge of the operational field is unique, and she combines it with a strong leadership profile and an innovative approach to how organisations need to develop to meet the challenges of the future," says Gauri Varma Heise, Vice President at Systematic, who will lead the effort to deliver full value for customers.

Susanne herself says it was Systematic's approach to technology that attracted her to the role.

"Systematic has a strong reputation in the industry and SitaWare is a solid product. What really appealed to me was that they look beyond the technology and also work with the people and processes behind it. That is a visionary and serious approach, which requires close collaboration between the technical domain and the military operational field. I am leaving the armed forces, but I still want to make a difference there – just in a new way."

Susanne Kiholm Lund takes up her position at Systematic on 1 May 2026.