Born Bjorn Nilsson in Malmö, Sweden, he adopted the historic family name Waktare at the age of 19, reviving a surname that means “watcher” or “guard”. It was a fitting choice for someone whose foresight and leadership would define so much of his remarkable career.
In 1970, Bjorn moved to the United Kingdom with his young family after being invited by the Swedish Edstrand family to help develop Single Point, an innovative optical sight for military firearms and sporting shotguns. Working alongside former Army Captain Patrick Keen, Bjorn quickly recognised that the real opportunity lay not only in innovation, but in supplying quality firearms to a growing UK market.
With characteristic determination, he travelled to Spain to establish relationships with leading gunmakers, importing shotguns that complemented the Single Point business. While the optical sight venture struggled commercially, the wholesale operation flourished, convincing Bjorn that the future lay elsewhere.
Following significant changes within the company in 1971, Bjorn, Patrick Keen and a small team embarked on a bold new venture. Against considerable odds, they founded Gunmark in October 1971. At just 33 years old, with four young children and only a few years in the UK, Bjorn demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience and belief in his vision.
His ambitions quickly extended beyond Britain. Working alongside his brother Mats, Bjorn established Artemis in Sweden while continuing to build Gunmark’s future. Although opportunities arose to return to corporate life, including an invitation to establish Winchester Ammunition’s Swedish operation, Bjorn chose instead to invest in the company he believed in, encouraging his brother to pursue the role and helping launch his own distinguished career within the shooting industry.
Returning permanently to the UK in 1974, Bjorn focused on growing Gunmark’s portfolio and reputation. New products and international partnerships followed, but one moment would define the company’s future.
In 1977, through persistence, integrity and the strength of the relationships he had built, Gunmark secured the UK distribution rights for Beretta.
The partnership proved transformational. As sporting clay shooting grew rapidly throughout the UK, Bjorn and his team worked closely with Beretta to develop competition Sporter shotguns specifically suited to British shooters. It was a collaboration that helped establish Beretta as one of the country’s most respected brands and cemented Gunmark’s position as a leading distributor.
The 1980s brought remarkable growth. Sporting clays flourished, Beretta sales increased dramatically, and the Beretta World Sporting Championships became one of the sport’s most prestigious events, attracting competitors from across the world and major commercial sponsorship.
In 1986, Bjorn became sole owner of the business, guiding it through another period of expansion while remaining true to the values on which it had been founded.
Throughout the 1990s, Bjorn dedicated much of his time to promoting sporting clays internationally, particularly in the United States. Later, after moving to Monaco, he remained closely involved with GMK as a consultant, continuing to offer advice, encouragement and insight to the company he had built from the ground up.
One of Bjorn’s greatest strengths was his ability to recognise talent and inspire those around him. He surrounded himself with exceptional people, placing great trust in colleagues who would become lifelong friends and whose loyalty helped shape the success of the business. Patrick Keen and Judith played vital roles in the early years, while Steve Way, Robert Frampton and many others devoted decades of service to the company.
Bjorn also valued the expertise of world-class competition shooters, whose knowledge strengthened both the products and the relationships that defined GMK.
Those who worked with Bjorn remember not only his drive and ambition, but also his generosity, enthusiasm and unwavering optimism. He believed in people, encouraged innovation and never forgot those who contributed to the company’s success. His standards were high, his energy infectious and his determination to succeed inspired everyone around him.
Behind every achievement was the steadfast support of his wife, Gerda, and their family, whose encouragement made it possible for Bjorn to pursue his ambitions while building a business that would leave a lasting mark on the industry.
From humble beginnings as the son of a skilled baker in Malmö, Bjorn Waktare built far more than a successful company. He built enduring partnerships, lifelong friendships and a legacy that continues to shape GMK and the shooting community today.
His influence can still be seen in the business he founded, the people whose careers he inspired and the values that continue to guide the company. Bjorn Waktare’s vision, leadership and passion will remain an enduring part of GMK’s story for many years to come.
