Generational change: Michael Dahl to take the helm at Cadesign form

Per Lybæk is stepping down as CEO of Cadesign form. After 30 years of running the company, the co-founder is ready for retirement – and COO Michael Dahl is ready to step in.

This year has been significant in many ways for the Danish CGI agency. A few months ago, the company celebrated its 30^th anniversary, and the people and products of Cadesign form have come a long way since visualizing trains in watercolors back in 1994.

AutoCAD and 3D visualizations have replaced paper and brushes, and today, Cadesign form is an industry leader in photo-realistic CGI. With some of the industry’s most skilled people and global companies among its clients, Per Lybæk can look back at an impressive achievement.

“It’s so strange stepping into our offices today when I think of our humble beginnings. We were just a handful of tech enthusiasts back in the 1990s, and I’m immensely proud of where we are today. We’ve professionalized our business and management and secured the skills required to succeed in the future,” Per Lybæk says.

“I’m very comfortable with leaving Cadesign form in excellent condition, and I feel even better about leaving it in the very capable hands of Michael. He’s brilliant, has the right qualities as a person, and shares my views on decency, hard work, and commitment,” he adds.

The Michael, Per Lybæk refers to, is COO Michael Dahl, who has been with the company for almost as long as him.

A seasoned veteran of Cadesign form

Cadesign form’s new captain joined the company 24 years ago and has therefore been part of the agency’s extraordinary journey towards becoming a global player. He has made the journey from trainee to CEO, and he knows every nook and cranny of the company.

“I’ve joked with Per about me gunning for his chair for 24 years, and I must admit that it’s a very strange and powerful feeling, taking the helm of Cadesign form. Per has always been a friend and a mentor, and I’ve learned so much from his approach to management,” Michael Dahl remarks.

“I’ve always been immensely fascinated by what we do here. I’ve gone from being part of the magic in production to being an admirer in the background, and I promise we’ll continue to hone our skills and push forward. That we’ll push the boundaries of the tools we have available. Doing this while balancing the bottom line is tricky – but highly exciting – work,” he adds.

An exciting future

Today, Cadesign form employs 100 people in several countries with offices in Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Business is good, and the agency has kept its competitive edge. The new CEO will take over at a time when things are looking very bright, and an increased focus on US markets is beginning to take form.

“We, as well as our markets, are growing, and we have an exciting journey ahead of us. We will, however, continue to stick to our DNA, and at Cadesign form, even the most junior of employees have the right to speak his or her mind – and be heard. I promise to cherish this throughout my leadership,” Michael Dahl says.

Michael Dahl will take the role of CEO from January 1^st, 2025.