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.