SSAB Makes Strategic Changes to Its Group Executive Committee
On March 18, 2025, SSAB announced significant changes to its Group Executive Committee as part of a broader effort to streamline leadership and strengthen its business operations. The committee, which will now be reduced from 11 members to 9, reflects the company’s commitment to improving efficiency and focusing on key areas of growth. These changes will take effect on April 1, 2025, as SSAB looks to further enhance its product offerings, optimize its Nordic production systems, and drive the transformation towards a more sustainable future.
SSAB’s President and CEO, Johnny Sjöström, emphasized that the restructuring was designed to create a smaller, more agile leadership team capable of responding to the evolving needs of the business. He noted that the transformation of SSAB’s operations is crucial to the company’s success in the competitive steel industry. The restructuring also reflects SSAB’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, particularly in relation to its shift to fossil-free steel production.
Key Appointments and Changes
A central aspect of the reorganization is the appointment of Carl Orrling as the new Executive Vice President Chief Technology Officer and Head of the Transformation Office. Orrling brings a wealth of experience in the steel industry, having been integral to the development of SSAB’s cutting-edge steel plant in Luleå, which will play a pivotal role in the company’s transition from traditional blast furnace production methods to fossil-free technologies.
Johnny Sjöström expressed his confidence in Orrling’s leadership, noting that his solid industry experience and expertise in steel transformation make him a key figure for SSAB’s future. As EVP CTO, Orrling will be responsible for overseeing the technological and operational advancements essential to SSAB’s strategic direction.
In addition to Orrling’s promotion, several existing senior executives will continue their important roles but step down from the Group Executive Committee. These include:
• Christina Friborg (SVP Sustainability, Ethics & Compliance, Health & Safety)
• Eva Petursson (SVP Research & Innovation)
• Lars Sjöbring (SVP General Counsel)
Although these executives will no longer be members of the Group Executive Committee, they will maintain their current responsibilities and report directly to Johnny Sjöström. This move is part of the effort to streamline the executive structure while preserving the continuity of key functions within SSAB’s operations.
Leadership Changes at SSAB
As part of the restructuring, SSAB is reducing its leadership team to focus on core areas that will drive future success. The new Group Executive Committee will consist of the following members:
1. Johnny Sjöström – President and CEO of SSAB
2. Leena Craelius – EVP Chief Financial Officer
3. Per Elfgren – EVP Head of SSAB Special Steels
4. Tony Harris – EVP Head of SSAB Europe
5. Chuck Schmitt – EVP Head of SSAB Americas
6. Maria Långberg – EVP Organization and Culture
7. Helena Norrman – EVP Communications
8. Carl Orrling – EVP CTO and Head of the Transformation Office
9. Viktor Strömberg – EVP Strategy and Digitalization
These changes reflect SSAB’s ongoing focus on operational excellence and a commitment to leading the steel industry into a sustainable, low-carbon future. The new executive team is tasked with aligning the company’s resources, strengthening its product mix, and continuing to build on SSAB’s leadership in the global steel market.
Focus on Sustainability and Technological Innovation
The restructuring also signals SSAB’s continued dedication to sustainability, particularly its efforts to lead the industry in transitioning to fossil-free steel production. Carl Orrling’s appointment as EVP CTO underscores the company’s emphasis on innovation and the need for advanced technology to support its transformation.
As SSAB moves forward with its sustainability initiatives, the Group Executive Committee will work on ensuring the success of its fossil-free steel plants, with particular attention given to securing raw material supplies necessary for the new production processes. Martin Pei, the former EVP CTO, will continue his work as a Senior Advisor to oversee raw material supply chains and will still represent SSAB as Chairman of the Board of Hybrit Development AB, the joint venture focused on fossil-free steelmaking.
Key Takeaways:
• SSAB is reducing its Group Executive Committee from 11 to 9 members to streamline operations.
• Carl Orrling has been appointed as EVP CTO and Head of the Transformation Office, with a focus on fossil-free steel production.
• Several senior executives will step down from the Group Executive Committee but will continue to report to the CEO.
• Leadership team changes are part of SSAB’s effort to improve business efficiency and support its sustainability goals.
• The new Group Executive Committee includes 9 key members, each focused on areas like financial strategy, special steels, and global operations.
• SSAB is enhancing its steel plant technologies in Luleå and reinforcing its commitment to low-carbon steel.
• Martin Pei transitions to a Senior Advisor role, focusing on securing raw material supplies for fossil-free plants.
The restructuring and leadership appointments are part of SSAB’s broader efforts to continue innovating and leading the global steel industry with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technological progress.
