From Sweden to Scotland: Rutherford Cross Supports Hanna Leijonmarck’s Successful Move into Corporate Finance

Having supported Hanna throughout her search for the right opportunity, Fraser met with her to discuss relocating internationally, adapting to a different market and why taking a strategic approach to her career move has paid off.

 

For many professionals, relocating to a different city can feel daunting. 

Moving to a different country, building a new professional network and navigating an unfamiliar recruitment market bring an entirely new set of challenges. For Hanna, making the move from Sweden to Scotland was a step she knew would help her achieve both personal and professional ambitions.

 

Taking the Leap into a New Market

When Hanna first began considering roles in Scotland, she was keen to build on her experience within corporate debt while broadening her exposure to new sectors, organisations and ways of working. While her background and skillset were highly relevant, securing the right role was never going to be straightforward.

“The greatest challenge was applying for opportunities overseas and communicating why my background and experience would be valuable in the UK market.”

Hanna explained:

“You are competing against candidates who already have local networks, market knowledge and existing relationships, so it can sometimes feel difficult to stand out.”

 

The Value of a Long-Term Approach

Recognising the challenges of an international relocation, Fraser worked closely with Hanna over an extended period rather than focusing solely on immediate opportunities.

Over two years, regular conversations helped shape a clearer picture of her long-term objectives, the type of organisation she wanted to join and how a move to Scotland could support her broader career aspirations.

For Hanna, one of the most valuable aspects of the process was the emphasis on finding the right fit rather than simply securing the next available role.

“Fraser consistently demonstrated that he had my best interests at heart, maintaining regular contact over a two-year period and focusing on how a role would fit into my broader career and personal circumstances rather than simply filling an immediate vacancy.”

That long-term approach ensured that every role presented was aligned with Hanna’s experience and ambitions. As she developed her understanding of the Scottish market and built relationships within Edinburgh’s professional community, it became clear that patience would be key to identifying the right role.

 

Finding the Right Opportunity

Ultimately, the position she accepted offered a strong combination of professional development, industry exposure and personal flexibility.

While the move involved adjusting expectations and acknowledging the differences between the Scandinavian and UK markets, Hanna viewed the opportunity through a long-term lens.

“Moving markets sometimes means taking a different route than you initially expected.”

She added:

“The role represented the best opportunity to continue developing my skills, gain valuable UK experience and establish myself professionally in Scotland.”

 

Building a Career and Network in Scotland

Now six months into the position, Hanna is confident that the decision was the right one. The role has provided exposure to UK-listed businesses, broadened her commercial understanding and enabled her to develop new technical and relationship-management skills.

“The position has provided excellent exposure to UK-listed companies, enabled me to develop a highly relevant skillset and allowed me to build a valuable network within the UK energy sector.”

Beyond the professional opportunities, the move has also delivered significant personal benefits. Relocating internationally often requires a period of adjustment, but Hanna credits both her employer and colleagues with helping her settle quickly and feel supported.

The experience has enabled her to build confidence, establish new relationships and become embedded within Edinburgh’s business community.

“The position has enabled me to establish my own professional network in Edinburgh within a relatively short period of time, helping me to feel genuinely settled in the city.”

 

Advice for Professionals Considering an International Move

Reflecting on the experience so far, Hanna believes one of the most valuable lessons has been the importance of remaining open-minded throughout the recruitment process. While it is natural to have a clear idea of the ideal role, she encourages other professionals considering a similar move to focus on the broader opportunities that can arise from entering a new market.

For candidates looking to relocate internationally, she stresses the importance of patience, persistence and maintaining realistic expectations.

“While searching for opportunities in a new market can at times be challenging and competitive, particularly when competing against local candidates, the right opportunity will emerge with persistence.”

 

Looking Back on a Successful Transition

Looking back, Hanna’s move from Sweden to Scotland demonstrates how successful career transitions are often built on careful planning, strong relationships and a willingness to embrace new challenges. While the process may have taken time, the result has been a role that supports both her professional ambitions and personal goals.

At Rutherford Cross, we believe recruitment is about more than simply placing candidates into positions. It is about understanding what matters most to people, helping them navigate complex career decisions and connecting them with opportunities that create lasting impact. Hanna’s journey is a great example of how the right support, combined with determination and patience, can turn a challenging international move into a rewarding long-term success story.

If you are considering your next career move within Scotland and would like to discuss the opportunities available, please contact Fraser Burnett at Rutherford Cross: [email protected]