Ulrika Kolsrud Recognized as Årets Ruter Dam 2025: A Milestone for Female Leadership in Business

Ulrika Kolsrud, CEO of Essity since June 2023, has been honored with the Årets Ruter Dam award for 2025, recognizing her as a leading female figure in Swedish business. This accolade, highlighting the most significant female leadership achievement in the sector, underscores the ongoing gender imbalance at the top echelons of business where women remain a minority (93055).

Kolsrud expressed pride in receiving the award and shared that she has not personally experienced discrimination as a woman in her career. Nevertheless, she emphasized the global importance of her role as a female CEO, particularly when traveling internationally. She noted, “Then it becomes very clear what an inspiration one is as a female role model,” reflecting on the award’s wider significance for women aspiring to leadership roles beyond Sweden (93247).

Her recognition comes amid continued efforts to promote gender diversity in corporate leadership, where role models like Kolsrud provide essential inspiration. Through her leadership at Essity, she exemplifies the progress and challenges facing women in business management today.

As Kolsrud continues to lead one of Sweden's major companies, her award spotlights not only her individual success but also the broader conversation about the representation of women in executive positions within the business community.