New Head of Arla Sweden
SWEDEN - Head of Arla’s South East Asian business, Patrik Hansson, is to return to Sweden as the new head of Arla’s Swedish business from 1 November. He will take over from Henri de Sauvage who announced he is leaving Arla to pursue external opportunities.
22 December 2016
2 minute read
Earlier this year, Henri de Sauvage announced that he would leave Arla towards the end of the year to pursue external opportunities and a process began to find his successor. Mr de Sauvage has agreed to stay connected to Arla as an external strategic advisor to develop Arla’s Foodservice business in Europe.
“Henri has done an excellent job for Arla both in Sweden and at Group level. I would have liked for him to have continued in his current role. Henri has, however, chosen to move on. Therefore, I am particularly pleased that he has agreed to continue to be connected to Arla and work with us to further develop our Foodservice business in Europe,” says Peder Tuborgh, CEO.
Accomplished Arla leader takes over in Sweden
The new head of Arla’s Swedish business has a lot to offer in terms of skills and experience.
Mr Hansson has a thorough understanding of the Swedish market and knows Arla’s strengths and challenges. He joined Arla Sweden in 2011 with responsibility for the cheese, butter and fruit drinks business in Sweden. Prior to this Patrik had close to 20 years’ experience in marketing, sales and finance in international fast moving consumer goods companies. In 2015, Patrik was appointed head of Arla’s business in South East Asia where he has made SEA one of Arla’s fastest growing regions globally.
“It will be great to return back to the fantastic organisation in Sweden and lead the future development of our consumer and customer offerings. Arla is a great company that has gone through tough times lately. I am convinced our natural healthy products, together with the cooperative model, are a winning recipe with tomorrow’s consumers,” says Mr Hansson.
Peter Giørtz-Carlsen, Executive Vice President for Arla’s European business welcomes Mr Hansson in his new role.
“Patrik is a strong leader and markeeter and I am confident that he will engage our Swedish team in developing our great brands and business in this very important market. He has delivered great results in his career in Arla as well as shown strong commercial leadership. He is committed to meeting customer and consumer needs,” says Peter Giørtz-Carlsen.
Mr Giørtz-Carlsen adds that he is looking forward to continuing to work together with Mr de Sauvage and gaining from his competencies within the Foodservice sector.
Mr de Sauvage is committed to ensuring a smooth hand-over to Patrik and will remain in the business until 1 December. On this date, Reijo Kiskola, head of Arla’s operations in Finland and Jakob Bernhard Knudsen, head of Arla Denmark, will begin to report directly to Peter Giørtz-Carlsen.
A process to find Patrik Hanson’s replacement has been initiated.
TheCattleSite News Desk
