STOCKHOLM - Essity’s board of directors has appointed Ulrika Kolsrud as president and CEO. She succeeds Magnus Groth, who earlier this year informed the Board that he will leave his position during the year.

Kolsrud, who currently holds the position of president of Essity’s business unit Health & Medical, will assume her position on June 1, 2025.

Announcing the appointment, Jan Gurander, chairman of the board at Essity, said: “Essity has a strong position as a global hygiene and health company. We are entering a phase of increased focus on growth and profitability, and our 36,000 dedicated employees around the world will make this possible. Ulrika has extensive and broad experience across the industries in which Essity operates.

“She has worked in all areas of the value chain, such as innovation, production, and sales. Ulrika has been a member of the Executive Management Team since 2015, and since 2019 she has been successfully heading Health & Medical. She has an engaging and positive leadership style and the right background to lead Essity."

Kolsrud is 54 years old and holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology. She will be based at Essity's head office in Stockholm. 

She added: “I am honoured that the board of directors has entrusted me with leading Essity in the next development phase. I see great potential in the company, and it is with great enthusiasm that I take on this assignment.

“I look forward to working with Essity's fantastic employees to make a real difference for our customers, deliver profitable growth, and take Essity to the next level.”