Essity Names Ilham Smaali as New Chief Supply Chain Officer in Strategic Shift

Essity Appoints Ilham Smaali as Chief Supply Chain Officer

In a significant move, the hygiene and health company Essity has announced the appointment of Ilham Smaali as the Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective December 31, 2025. With an extensive background in supply chain management and logistics, Smaali is expected to bring transformative leadership to the newly established function of Supply Chain Enablement.

The role of Chief Supply Chain Officer is critical for Essity, particularly as the company aims to ensure economies of scale in sourcing and fulfillment while supporting the transformation of functional and decentralized operations. Smaali's primary responsibility will involve standardizing working methods across the production and supply chain, which is crucial for enhancing efficiency and productivity within the company.

Smaali’s career trajectory is impressive, having joined Essity in 2023 as Vice President of Global Planning and Logistics. She has also gained substantial experience in senior roles at global powerhouses such as Estée Lauder, Nike, and Procter & Gamble, where she honed her skills in manufacturing, logistics, and planning. Her academic credentials include a Master's degree in Engineering from ENSICAEN, the prestigious National Graduate School of Engineering in France.

Ulrika Kolsrud, the President and CEO of Essity, expressed her enthusiasm in welcoming Smaali to the executive management team, emphasizing her expertise and leadership qualities. Kolsrud states, "I am very pleased to welcome Ilham Smaali as Chief Supply Chain Officer. Her expertise and broad experience, combined with her proven leadership skills, make her the right person to lead Supply Chain Enablement at Essity."

As a citizen of France and Morocco, Ilham Smaali will be based in Paris, which is poised to serve as a strategic location for overseeing the company’s global supply chain operations. This appointment aligns well with Essity’s ambitions to strengthen its position in the hygiene and health sectors through innovative supply chain strategies.

In recent years, Essity has positioned itself as a leader in the hygiene and health market, focusing not only on profitability but also on sustainable and responsible practices. The establishment of the Supply Chain Enablement function reflects the company's commitment to efficiency and effectiveness in responding to market demands while maintaining its quality standards.

As supply chain dynamics continue to evolve globally, the leadership of experienced professionals like Ilham Smaali is pivotal in navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities for growth. Essity’s decision to appoint Smaali underscores its focus on robust leadership and strategic foresight in managing complex supply networks that span continents.

With Smaali at the helm of the supply chain operations, Essity aims to enhance its operational capabilities and further streamline its logistics to meet the increasing demand for its health and hygiene products. As the company moves forward, the role of the Chief Supply Chain Officer will be instrumental in aligning its product offerings with consumer needs while addressing global supply chain challenges.