Ulrika Kolsrud Receives Ruter Dam 2025 Award for Leadership in a Male-Dominated Sector

On June 1, 2025, Ulrika Kolsrud assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and Group President at Essity, a global hygiene and health company. With responsibility for an organization comprising 36,000 employees and generating a net revenue of SEK 146 billion, Kolsrud now leads operations spanning 150 countries. Essity's products, including well-known brands such as Tork, Libero, and Libresse, are used by approximately one billion people daily. Previously part of SCA until 2017, Essity has maintained a significant presence in the personal care and hygiene market.

Kolsrud's appointment marks the culmination of a 30-year career within the company, during which she held various roles in innovation, product development, sales, and marketing. Her career trajectory demonstrates a commitment to broadening her expertise, having moved from leadership positions in research and development to entry roles in sales and marketing. This diverse experience is considered instrumental in her progression to the highest executive level within the organization.

The Ruter Dam Award, established in 1990, is designed to recognize and promote female leadership in senior executive roles across Swedish business. The award is managed by Ruter Dam, a leadership development and mentoring program for women that has been active since 1987. This program was initially launched in response to the appointment of Kerstin Stenberg as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at PK-banken, which was regarded as a groundbreaking event at the time. The Ruter Dam Award continues to highlight women's achievements in executive positions, particularly in sectors where female representation remains low.

Despite gradual progress, substantial gender disparities persist at the executive level in Sweden. According to data from Ekonomifakta, women hold approximately 40 percent of all management positions in Sweden. However, the proportion decreases significantly at the highest executive ranks. Recent reports indicate that only 11.1 percent of chief executive officer roles in publicly listed companies are occupied by women, a figure that has declined from 12.2 percent two years ago. The transition to top executive posts continues to present challenges for women professionals.

Kolsrud has noted that her personal experience at Essity has been marked by a culture that prioritizes gender equality, reducing the impact of gender-based barriers within the company. Nonetheless, she acknowledges that such progress varies significantly between organizations and regions across the global business landscape.

The recognition of Kolsrud with the Ruter Dam 2025 Award underscores both her individual achievements and the broader ongoing efforts to enhance gender diversity in corporate leadership. It also draws attention to the need for continued development and implementation of policies that support equal opportunities for women at all levels of business management.

The evolving landscape of female representation in executive roles remains a critical topic within the Swedish corporate sector. Initiatives like Ruter Dam play a pivotal role in supporting women as they navigate their careers towards senior leadership, aiming to foster a more balanced and inclusive business environment.