Ulrika Kolsrud Takes the Helm as New President and CEO of Essity
In a significant leadership transition, Essity's Board of Directors has officially announced the appointment of Ulrika Kolsrud as the new President and CEO, effective June 1, 2025. Kolsrud, who currently serves as the President of Essity's Health & Medical Business Unit, will be stepping into her new role to guide the company through its next developmental phase, succeeding Magnus Groth, who recently notified the Board of his upcoming departure.
Kolsrud's extensive experience within various sectors of the company positions her as a competent leader capable of steering Essity toward continued success. Since joining the Executive Management Team in 2015 and leading the Health & Medical division since 2019, Kolsrud has cultivated a broad understanding of the company's operational landscape, extending across innovation, production, and sales. This diverse background empowers her to enhance Essity’s growth trajectory and boost profitability.
"Essity stands as a strong contender in the global hygiene and health markets, and under my leadership, we will prioritize our customer focus, further develop our globally renowned brands, and enhance our innovative capacities rapidly," Kolsrud stated. Her commitment to tapping into the potential of Essity and its approximately 36,000 dedicated employees worldwide is pivotal as the company enters this new phase.
Jan Gurander, the Chairman of the Board, expressed confidence in Kolsrud's capabilities, citing her engaging leadership style and extensive experience as essential factors for her appointment. Kolsrud, 54, holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology and will be headquartered at Essity’s global office in Stockholm.
Kolsrud's plans for Essity include fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, striving for remarkable improvements that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. The new CEO's passion for making a tangible difference for customers aligns well with the company’s mission to improve well-being through sustainable hygiene and health innovations.
As the company prepares for a more focused strategy on growth and profitability, Kolsrud is keen on leveraging her past experiences and leadership skills to drive Essity forward. She acknowledges the great potential within the company and is eager to engage with the exceptional team at Essity. Kolsrud is ready to lead the charge, ensuring that Essity not only adapts to changing market dynamics but thrives amidst them.
In her own words, "It is with great enthusiasm that I take on this assignment. I look forward to working with Essity’s talented employees to make a real difference for our customers, fostering profitable growth, and elevating Essity to new heights."
This leadership change comes during a critical juncture for Essity as it aims to navigate the complexities of the market while remaining committed to its core values of sustainability and innovation. Kolsrud’s appointment signals a fresh perspective and a renewed emphasis on operational excellence as the company strives to maintain its industry-leading position.
The transition will surely be watched closely by industry observers and stakeholders alike, eager to see how Kolsrud’s leadership will shape the future of Essity and contribute to its overarching goals. As she steps into this new role, the expectation is that Kolsrud will harness her experience and vision to guide Essity into a prosperous future, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of the hygiene and health sector.