Andreas Mattsson to Step Into Role as Chief Legal Officer at Essity
Andreas Mattsson to Become Chief Legal Officer at Essity
In a significant leadership change, the hygiene and health company, Essity, has announced the appointment of Andreas Mattsson as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective from January 1, 2027. Mattsson will be joining the Executive Management Team, taking over from Mikael Schmidt, who is set to retire at the end of December 2026.
Mattsson previously held the role of General Counsel at Billerud, where he has been serving since 2013. His extensive expertise in business law, combined with a solid history in international operations at public companies, positions him to play a pivotal role at Essity. Prior to his time at Billerud, Mattsson gained valuable experience at the law firm Cederquist.
Ulrika Kolsrud, President and CEO of Essity, expressed enthusiastic support for Mattsson's appointment. She stated, "I would like to extend a warm welcome to Andreas Mattsson to Essity. With his broad expertise in business law and his leadership skills, he will be a significant asset to our ongoing development and growth."
At Essity, Mattsson will oversee not only legal matters but also compliance and risk management, critical areas for a company focused on hygiene and health products. His predecessor, Mikael Schmidt, has been a part of the Executive Management Team since Essity's initial public offering in 2017 and has played a vital role in the company’s legal strategy and corporate governance.
Expressing gratitude towards Schmidt, Kolsrud acknowledged him as one of Sweden's most experienced business lawyers. "Mikael’s wisdom and dedication have greatly contributed to the evolution of Essity as a leading player in the market. His guidance has been invaluable both to the Board and to the executive team throughout his tenure," she said.
Jan Gurander, Chairman of the Board at Essity, also commended Schmidt's service, highlighting his trustworthiness as an advisor and his longstanding collaborations with board members over the years. As Mattsson prepares to assume his new responsibilities, his comprehensive background in law and business is expected to drive Essity forward, particularly as the company navigates the complexities of global markets in the hygiene and health sectors.
Andreas Mattsson's experience is set to bolster Essity’s strategic initiatives in compliance and risk management, two critical components in maintaining the company’s strong reputation and operational integrity. His first order of business will likely include assessing the existing legal frameworks and building a foundation for further growth as Essity seeks to maintain its leadership in the industry.
As the company gears up for this transition, stakeholders and employees alike will be watching closely to see how Mattsson's leadership style and approach will manifest within the corporate culture at Essity. With his appointment, there is optimism about new perspectives in legal operations and governance, reinforcing Essity’s commitment to sustainable growth across its global platforms.
Conclusion
In summary, Andreas Mattsson’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Essity at a time of expansion and rising demand for hygiene and health products. As Mattsson steps into the role of Chief Legal Officer in January 2027, he brings a wealth of expertise that promises to guide Essity through its next phase of operational excellence and legal integrity.