Södra has announced the appointment of Cecilia Karlsson as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She will assume the role on 1 December 2026 and become a member of the company’s Group Executive Team. The appointment reflects the organisation’s continued focus on strengthening its financial leadership while supporting long-term strategic development across its operations.
Karlsson joins Södra with extensive experience in financial management and executive leadership. Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer at Öresundskraft. Before that, she held senior finance positions at IKEA and Findus. She also spent several years at McKinsey, where she gained broad experience in corporate strategy and financial advisory services.
She holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology. Her combination of engineering knowledge and financial expertise is expected to support Södra’s ongoing business transformation and operational development.
The appointment has been welcomed by Södra’s Chief Executive Officer, Lotta Lyrå. She highlighted Karlsson’s leadership experience and strong financial background gained from global organisations.
According to Lyrå, Karlsson’s expertise will play an important role in supporting the company’s priorities. Her experience is expected to contribute to both immediate business objectives and long-term strategic initiatives. Financial leadership remains a critical factor as industrial companies continue to navigate changing market conditions and sustainability requirements.
Karlsson will succeed Magnus Örnberg, who has decided to pursue professional opportunities closer to his home and family in Stockholm. His transition will ensure continuity within the finance function. He will remain with Södra until the beginning of 2027, allowing for an orderly handover of responsibilities.
The leadership transition has been carefully planned. This approach supports operational stability during the changeover period. It also ensures that ongoing financial projects continue without disruption.
Commenting on her appointment, Karlsson said she is looking forward to joining an organisation built around one of Sweden’s most valuable natural resources. She also expressed enthusiasm about becoming part of a business with world-class industrial facilities and a cooperative ownership structure.
She noted that Södra’s cooperative model strongly appealed to her. The principle of achieving greater success through collaboration aligns with her professional values. Karlsson added that she is eager to deepen her understanding of the forest industry while contributing her experience to the company’s transformation journey.
The finance function is expected to play an increasingly important role as forestry companies continue investing in innovation, efficiency and sustainable growth. Strong financial governance supports investment decisions, operational resilience and long-term competitiveness across the sector.
Södra has built its reputation on responsible forest management and industrial expertise. The organisation was founded in 1938 on the belief that cooperation creates greater strength. Today, it has grown into Sweden’s largest forest-owner association, representing more than 50,000 family forest owners.
Together, the members own a globally recognised industrial business that converts forest raw materials into renewable products. Its portfolio includes pulp, timber, building systems, energy solutions and biochemicals. These products serve customers across international markets while supporting the transition towards more sustainable materials and energy sources.
Approximately 3,200 people are employed across Södra’s forest industry operations. The business generated sales of SEK 28 billion during 2025, reflecting its significant contribution to Sweden’s forestry and manufacturing sectors. Its products are exported worldwide, reinforcing the organisation’s position within international renewable materials markets.
The company continues to invest in innovation and sustainable industrial development. Its operations focus on maximising the value of forest resources while promoting responsible resource management. This strategy supports both commercial growth and environmental objectives.
Karlsson’s appointment comes at a time when experienced financial leadership is increasingly important for companies operating in resource-based industries. Market volatility, investment requirements and sustainability expectations continue to reshape business priorities. Effective financial management will therefore remain central to supporting future expansion and operational performance.
With Karlsson joining the executive leadership team later this year, Södra is positioning itself to build on its established strengths while advancing its long-term transformation strategy. Her experience across multiple industries and international organisations is expected to provide valuable insight as the company continues developing renewable products and strengthening its position in the global forest industry.
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