Ilham Smaali Takes on New Role as Chief Supply Chain Officer at Essity

Essity Appoints Ilham Smaali as Chief Supply Chain Officer

In a noteworthy development, Essity, the hygiene and health company renowned for its innovative products, has announced the appointment of Ilham Smaali as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer. This pivotal role will officially commence on December 31, 2025, as she steps into a key position within the company’s Executive Management Team.

Focus on Supply Chain Enablement

The establishment of a new function named Supply Chain Enablement is part of Essity's strategy to achieve economies of scale in sourcing and fulfillment. This department aims to facilitate functional transformation and standardize processes within the decentralized production and supply chain systems of the organization. The move is expected to streamline operations and promote efficiency across the board, ultimately benefiting the company's logistics and service provisions.

Ilham Smaali’s Impressive Background

Ilham Smaali comes to this role armed with extensive experience and a strong background in supply chain management. She has been part of Essity since 2023, serving as Vice President of Global Planning and Logistics. Before joining Essity, she held significant positions in manufacturing and logistics at renowned companies such as Estée Lauder, Nike, and Procter & Gamble. Her academic credentials include a Master of Science in Engineering from the ENSICAEN National Graduate School of Engineering in France, reinforcing her technical expertise in the field.

Ulrika Kolsrud, the President and CEO of Essity, expressed enthusiasm about Smaali’s appointment, stating, "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."

A Global Perspective

As a citizen of both France and Morocco, Smaali brings a diverse cultural perspective to her new role, which is expected to enrich Essity’s strategic initiatives. She will be based in Paris, furthering the company's international outreach.

Her unique background, both professionally and culturally, positions her effectively to lead the transformation of Essity's supply chain processes and augment the company’s global competitiveness.

Moving Forward

As the hygiene and health sector continues to evolve, companies like Essity must adapt to new challenges and opportunities in supply chain management. With Smaali at the helm, Essity is poised to enhance its operational capabilities and ensure higher standards of service delivery to its customers worldwide.

The global landscape of supply chains is undoubtedly shifting, and Essity's strategy reflects a forward-thinking approach crucial for navigating these changes seamlessly.

For more updates and insights on Essity's ongoing transformation and initiatives, stay tuned. This appointment marks an exciting phase for both Ilham Smaali and Essity as they embark on this new journey together.