Roger Johansson

When Roger took on a one-year contract at TAG in 2008, little did he know it would spark a career spanning over a decade and multiple roles. Starting as a chemist in the product development team at Absolut, he has since transitioned into regulatory and product compliance for multiple brands. Today, his expertise helps the company navigate complex regulatory landscapes globally.

What’s your role at TAG?

I currently work in Regulatory and Product Compliance and my primary responsibility is ensuring that everything we manufacture and sell complies with regulations in the markets we operate in. This includes the product itself and its labelling, which varies significantly across countries.

Understanding how things work has always motivated me. I often find myself exploring why certain markets have specific rules, trying to uncover the reasoning behind them so we can align with them effectively. Working in the legal department, I believe my background as a chemist in product development allows me to bring a unique perspective to the table.

What’s a recent project you really appreciated working on?

One of the most rewarding projects wrapped up this past spring. Our entire team worked on updating our product labelling to include QR codes, giving consumers access to detailed product information like ingredient lists and nutritional details. It was a massive undertaking, covering all our markets and involving over 280 different labels for Absolut products alone.

What made it special was the collaborative aspect. I got to work with colleagues from production, supply chain, and Pernod Ricard’s headquarters in Paris. Seeing everyone come together toward a shared goal was incredibly motivating. And knowing we’ve made it easier for consumers to access information feels great.

Can you share a moment when you felt really proud of your work at TAG?

The first time I saw a product I had worked on sitting on a store shelf was unforgettable. It was back in 2009, and I had been involved in nearly every step of the product development process. What’s bizarre is that I can’t recall if it was Absolut Tropical or Absolut Mango, but I can still picture the bottle! Anyway, it was a moment of pure pride – realizing that something I contributed to was out there in the world, being used and enjoyed.

What’s your view on the term conviviality?

To me, conviviality shines through in collaborative projects where everyone is aligned toward a common goal. It’s about fostering an open atmosphere where ideas flow freely, and discussions are constructive. That culture really defines our workplace. You can approach anyone with anything.

What’s your favorite cocktail?

I’d say Boulevardier – essentially a Negroni made with bourbon. That said, when I’m feeling nostalgic, I go for a White Russian. I’m the right age to have been influenced by The Big Lebowski, so it holds a special place in my heart.