STOCKHOLM: Essity’s Board of Directors has named Ulrika Kolsrud as the company’s new President and CEO, the company announced Tuesday. Kolsrud will officially take over the role on June 1, succeeding Magnus Groth, who previously informed the board of his plans to step down this year.
Kolsrud currently serves as President of Essity’s Health & Medical business unit. She has been a member of the Executive Management Team since 2015 and has led Health & Medical since 2019.
“Essity has a strong position as a global hygiene and health company,” Chairman of the Board Jan Gurander said in a statement. “Based on this, we will continue to develop our world-leading brands and strengthen our customer focus and innovation capabilities at a rapid pace. We are entering a phase of increased focus on growth and profitability, and our 36,000 dedicated employees around the world will make this possible. Ulrika has extensive and broad experience across the industries in which Essity operates. She has worked in all areas of the value chain, such as innovation, production, and sales. She has an engaging and positive leadership style and the right background to lead Essity.”
Kolsrud, 54, holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology. She will be based at Essity’s headquarters in Stockholm.
“I am honored that the Board of Directors has entrusted me with leading Essity in the next development phase,” Kolsrud said. “I see great potential in the company, and it is with great enthusiasm that I take on this assignment. I look forward to working with Essity’s fantastic employees to make a real difference for our customers, deliver profitable growth, and take Essity to the next level.”
Groth, who has led the Swedish hygiene and health company since 2015, will remain in his role until Kolsrud officially assumes leadership.