Listeds - Nathalie Ahlström takes a rare Finnish step into a global CEO role

Leaders

Nathalie Ahlström takes a rare Finnish step into a global CEO role

Jan 9, 2026

When Nathalie Ahlström steps into the CEO role at Ansell on February 16, she will be breaking a quiet rule of Finnish corporate life.

It is still highly unusual for a Finnish executive to lead a large listed company outside the Nordics, Helsingin Sanomat reported today. Ahlström is the former CEO of Fiskars.

Ansell is a serious stage. The century-old Australian group is a global leader in protective gloves and clothing, operating in more than 55 countries, employing over 15,000 people, and generating roughly two billion dollars in annual revenue.

Chair Nigel Garrard said in a press release: “Nathalie brings exceptional leadership experience, a track record of delivering results in complex global markets, and a deep understanding of innovation and operational excellence.”

Ahlström, who has held several leadership roles at Fazer, Amcor, and Huhtamäki before, will lead from Brussels following the retirement of the previous CEO, Neil Salmon.

Authors

Emmi Laine

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.