In this edition of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we caught up with Stefan Winquist, the driving force behind our European expansion. Stefan is leading our ambitious journey into the European market, and we had the chance to discuss his goals for this venture, what inspires his drive for success, how he unwinds outside of work, and much more.
Describe your current role and previous experiences
I've recently taken on an exciting new role leading Xperate's European expansion. My background includes 26 years as CIO of a major Danish law firm, preceded by experience in sales. I first started working with Simon Hill, Xperate CEO, as a client back in 2007, and when the opportunity arose to join Xperate, it immediately caught my interest.
I'll be spearheading our growth across the EU region from our base in Copenhagen, with an initial focus on the Danish, Norwegian and Swedish markets. In early January, I visited the UK to meet with some of my colleagues and attend several meetings in Winchester and London.
As a member of ILTA (International Legal Technology Association), I bring valuable connections in the legal tech sector, and I'm looking forward to exploring opportunities that may not have been accessible to Xperate previously. Having known many vendors in this sector for years, I am able to bring my connections to unlock new doors for Xperate.
Why did you decide to take the challenge of leading Xperate into the European market?
While I'm in the early days of this role (I officially started January 2nd in our new Copenhagen office), I'm already keeping pace with the exciting developments. My decision to join came after meeting Simon Hill and Mark Garnish, Xperate COO, at ILTACON 2024 in Nashville. What really convinced me was their approach - when they commit to something, they always give it 100% and I immediately knew that this was an excellent opportunity not only for me but for Xperate as a whole.
Northern Europe offers immense opportunities for innovation and growth, particularly as the demand for optimised workflows, bespoke legal tech solutions, and integrations continues to rise. I’m excited to lead the team in tackling the most pressing challenges faced by this developing sector and driving transformative solutions for our clients. I hope to play a key part in helping Xperate to set new standards in the legal tech industry and achieve even more remarkable milestones.
What are your goals and objectives for Xperate in Europe?
My immediate focus is on engaging with existing peer group members to understand how Xperate can support and enhance development and support services. The broader goal is clear: grow our European operations sustainably.
Over time, my goal is to grow our EU team by bringing on the best and brightest specialists in Northern Europe, building a talented workforce to fill our office.
In 2024, Xperate achieved remarkable success, expanding into new markets including North America and Australia. Our goals for the EU expansion are equally ambitious - we aim to become a leading software provider for firms across this vibrant and dynamic region.
What motivates you to make the expansion a success?
This role represents a significant leap for me, but it's one that makes perfect sense. Having been on the client side, I fully understand the needs and demands of this ever-changing sector. I'm in a unique position to represent both perspectives - the provider and the user. I know where things typically go wrong when working with other firms, and I'm committed to applying my expertise to prevent those issues.
My 26 years of experience in the legal tech sector will be invaluable as I provide specialised consultation in the EU market. I'm determined to go above and beyond to meet the demands I know exist, having been a customer myself.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I have what you might call a 'very funny background' - I've never been afraid of trying new things and I’ve always loved to work!
My professional life started as an engineer in the Air Force, then I moved to becoming a submarine specialist in the Navy. I've done everything from bouncing and bartending at nightclubs to working as a florist!
But my true passion since 1993 has been race driving. It's become a family affair - my two sons (22 and 24) and I race together. Our weekends are filled with racing in the MX5 Cup series in Sweden, and I participate in historic race car events worldwide. Simon Hill and I share this passion for cars. Spending time in my garage working on cars is my ultimate refuge.
Connect with Stefan on LinkedIn here.