On LinkedIn Klarna names CEO of laid-off employees in cost-cutting

The CEO of Klarna AB Bank sparked a polarizing opinion on social media after posting a contact list of new former employees.fired softlyTwo by the Swedish company as part of a campaign to cut costs.

Sebastian Simyatkowski, 40, wrote on LinkedIn that he had “mixed feelings about this document” because it reflects both Klarna staff’s ability to leave and “a very difficult decision that deeply saddens me.”

A Klarna spokesperson said those on the list registered voluntarily and were created by an employee who is still with the company.

Reactions to the CEO position ranged from anger at its “deaf” content to praise for attracting the attention of recruiters. The largest consortium in the Swedish financial industry, Finansforbundet, told Bloomberg that it had asked to discuss publication of the list with Klarna.

Union president Ulrika Boethos said in an email that the union also said it had not been consulted about the job cuts and “was expecting information from the company at an early stage and not having to read about the process in the media.”

A Klarna spokesperson says the company “has not been notified of the dismissal and therefore has no obligation to inform unions, but is hoping to reach an agreement with the affected employees. In the event of dismissal, it will be processed in accordance with laws and regulations.”