Sandvik Names Johanna Kreft as New General Counsel and Executive VP
On April 14, 2025, Sandvik AB made a significant leadership announcement as they appointed Johanna Kreft as the new Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the company. This strategic appointment is set to take effect on October 13, 2025. Kreft is not a stranger to the world of legal counsel within major corporations; she previously held a similar position at Alleima, a company that was spun off from Sandvik Materials Technology (SMT). With over 15 years of experience at Sandvik, Kreft's history with the company positions her uniquely to assume her new role.
Kreft's track record includes the role of Business Area General Counsel for SMT, where she was pivotal in guiding legal strategies that aligned with business objectives. Her extensive background also includes serving as Chief Legal Counsel and Legal Counsel for Sandvik AB itself, which gives her a profound understanding of the operational and legal intricacies embedded within the company.
Stefan Widing, Sandvik's President and CEO, expressed confidence in Kreft's capabilities, stating, "Johanna Kreft brings proven leadership skills, experience from developing a legal organization in a listed company, and extensive knowledge of Sandvik. I am confident that she is a great fit for the role and will be a strong addition to the Group Executive Management." The confidence in Kreft's illustrative career suggests that she will contribute significantly to Sandvik's executive decision-making and corporate governance practices.
This change comes in light of Åsa Thunman's departure from Sandvik, where she has chosen to accept a similar position at the well-known Swedish project development and construction firm, Skanska. Thunman's exit marks a new chapter for both her and the company, as they pursue fresh avenues in leadership.
Johanna Kreft's appointment is anticipated to aid Sandvik in advancing its legal frameworks, ensuring stability as they navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing business environment. Her prior experience equips her with unique insights that will be instrumental for the company as it seeks to expand its influence and maintain compliance in various markets.
Kreft’s leadership within the executive management team is expected to bring innovative legal strategies to Sandvik while supporting the overarching goals of the company as it faces future challenges. The confidence in Kreft’s abilities to steer the legal department aligns perfectly with Sandvik's ambition and commitment to developing strong procedural systems that uphold both integrity and governance in all their operations.
For more insight or inquiries about this leadership transition at Sandvik, Louise Tjeder, the VP of Investor Relations, can be contacted at +46 (0) 70782 6374. Johannes Hellström, the Press and Media Relations Manager, is also available for media-related inquiries at +46 (0) 70721 1008.