When Sodexo left Denmark during the pandemic, Christian Lunner faced a choice: walk away or build something new. In this Served. Founder Story, the CEO and Partner at SERWIZ shares how a management buy-out became one of Denmark’s fastest-growing FM and catering companies.

How a Global Exit Sparked One of Denmark’s Fastest-Growing FM Companies

When Sodexo pulled out of smaller markets in 2021, Christian faced a moment of uncertainty. He and a small group of leaders explored a management buy-out, and the entire process played out digitally. Not a single in-person meeting.

The remote MBO became the foundation for SERWIZ. A Danish FM and catering company with local ownership, a clear identity, and a chance to rethink how services should be delivered.

"It was COVID times, so everything was via Teams. We never met with those we were negotiating with." - Christian Lunner

The Four Principles Christian Lunner Refused to Compromise On

Christian and the founders believed that a new company needs more than ambition. It needs principles. They agreed on four anchors that would define SERWIZ: trust, sustainability, transparency, and data.

These anchors were not created for marketing purposes. They were created because SERWIZ wanted to operate differently. Clients now access performance data in real time through a customer cockpit, including a CO2 baseline with 99 percent accuracy. Pricing is transparent in a market where it often is not.

"Pretty soon we will launch a CO2 baseline that is 99 percent accurate." - Christian Lunner

Doubling Overnight: Inside the High-Pressure Integration That Defined SERWIZ

Soon after the buy-out, SERWIZ expanded significantly by acquiring Allianceplus A/S. The acquisition nearly doubled the company overnight. This move created scale, stability, and the financial muscle to deliver the services they envisioned.

But size is only the beginning. Integrating thousands of employees into one culture takes time and trust. Christian believes strongly that culture, not systems, is the hardest part of any merger.

"The culture part really surprised me. It is much more difficult and takes much more time than people expect." - Christian Lunner

Why SERWIZ Believes Purpose Beats Profit (And Still Wins on Both)

SERWIZ is built on a simple principle. Profit follows purpose. Christian argues that companies with a clear reason to exist naturally perform better because employees stay, own decisions, and deliver better work.

Growth matters, but healthy contracts matter more. SERWIZ prioritises stability and profitability, not volume for the sake of volume.

"If you build a company that has a reason to exist beyond profit, profit will follow." - Christian Lunner

The Leadership Strategy Big Companies Get Wrong (And SERWIZ Gets Right)

Large companies often slow themselves down through layers of approval and control. Christian has seen it firsthand. At SERWIZ, he has committed to a different approach.

Responsibility sits close to the frontline, not at the top. Employees are trusted to make decisions, try new things, and act quickly. The result is a more agile and responsive organisation.

"The higher up decisions come, the stupider the decisions are." - Christian Lunner

Humanoid Robots in Kitchens and Cleaning: Closer Than You Think

Christian believes the industry is on the edge of a major shift driven by robotics and automation. He expects humanoid, AI-supported robots to appear in kitchens and cleaning within the next decade or two.

These will not be simple machines. They will be capable of opening doors, identifying tasks, and performing them with precision. Prep work, dishwashing, and room evaluation are early candidates for automation.

"We will se humanoid robots in kitchens and cleaning. Probably faster and better than humans on certain tasks." - Christian Lunner

Everyone Predicted the Office Would Die. Christian Says They Were Wrong.

Contrary to predictions, the office has made a return. Many expected remote work to permanently reduce workplace activity. Instead, companies are asking people to come back.

Christian sees this as a positive surprise. Offices are once again environments where food, culture, and collaboration matter. Workplace dining remains central to employee experience.

"Many said that people would stop coming into the office. That was wrong. People have come back." - Christian Lunner

Why Sustainability Fell Off the Agenda (And Why It Will Come Roaring Back)

One of the most unexpected developments has been the temporary decline of sustainability as a priority. Christian finds it concerning. Though he understands why short-term pressures influence decisions, he believes sustainability will regain momentum.

For him, it is not optional. It is a responsibility owed to future generations.

"We have an obligation to fix it, not for you, but for your kids and grandkids." - Christian Lunner

Quick Fire with Christian

The episode ends with a fast-paced set of reflections that reveal Christian’s mindset.

He encourages young professionals to take risks and avoid the safe path. He also emphasises the importance of balance, which is why SERWIZ has meeting-free Fridays to help employees start their week with clarity and energy.

"Who dares wins. Don't be a mainstreamer. Take risks and change things." - Christian Lunner

Watch the full episode