Ulrika Kolsrud

President and CEO, Essity

Search every verified Ulrika Kolsrud interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Ulrika Kolsrud, President and CEO of Essity, reported the company’s second quarter 2026 results, highlighting positive organic sales growth driven by volume increases in three of four business units: health and medical, personal care, and professional hygiene. She noted that consumer tissue experienced lower sales. Kolsrud stated that profitability margins remained healthy but were slightly negatively impacted by geopolitical factors causing increased cost inflation. She said the company has implemented some price increases and agreed on others that will appear in the third quarter, adding that compensating for cost increases is a top priority and that Essity has a strong track record of doing so over time. Kolsrud discussed several strategic initiatives, including a reorganization into four business areas with end-to-end accountability, a cost-saving program, and a sharpened innovation agenda. She also mentioned an acquisition in feminine care in North America and a strategic review of the consumer tissue business. Regarding the review, Kolsrud said the company is examining all options—divestiture, separation, or retention—and that the goal is to create the best conditions for both the consumer tissue business and the rest of Essity to develop to their full potential and maximize value creation. She cited the UK’s NHS introducing value-based procurement guidance for medical technology as a positive development for Essity’s holistic solutions.