Essity appoints Andreas Mattsson as Chief Legal Officer
This move aligns Essity’s legal leadership with a profile well-versed in international listed-company environments and integrated risk and compliance oversight.
SWEDEN – Hygiene and health company Essity has named Andreas Mattsson as its incoming Chief Legal Officer and a member of the Executive Management Team, with the appointment taking effect on January 1, 2027.
Mattsson will take over from Mikael Schmidt, who has chosen to retire at the end of the year.
In his new role, Mattsson will oversee legal affairs and take charge of compliance and risk management.
Ulrika Kolsrud, Essity’s President and CEO, stated, “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Andreas Mattsson to Essity.”
“Andreas is an experienced General Counsel and leader with broad business law expertise and solid experience from international operations in listed companies.”
Kolsrud also extended heartfelt thanks to Mikael Schmidt, recognizing him as one of Sweden’s most accomplished corporate lawyers and a highly respected advisor, leader and colleague whose insight and dedication have materially advanced Essity’s progress.
Mattsson arrives from Billerud, where he has acted as General Counsel since 2013, amassing extensive in-house leadership experience within an international, publicly listed setting.
Before joining Billerud, he developed broad expertise in business law and cross-border operational experience at the law firm Cederquist.
At Essity, his responsibilities span the entire legal portfolio, along with compliance and enterprise risk management, reinforcing the function’s strategic role within executive leadership.
Jan Gurander, Chairman of Essity’s Board, noted Schmidt’s value as a trusted Board advisor and expressed appreciation for his service as Board Secretary and for the strong collaboration over the years.
Schmidt has been part of Essity’s Executive Management Team since the company’s 2017 listing, bringing significant continuity and institutional knowledge to the position.
The leadership change underscores Essity’s focus on reinforcing governance, compliance and strategic legal capabilities as it advances its growth agenda.
This move comes shortly after Essity kicked off a strategic review of its global Consumer Tissue business area to evaluate ownership structures.
This move could unlock maximum value and support strong growth for both the division and the broader company.
The board approved this evaluation as part of routine portfolio optimization efforts aimed at driving long-term shareholder returns.
Options on the table include potential separation or other changes in ownership, though no transactions are confirmed or imminent.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.
