She explains:“ When you get challenged by operators who know their processes in and out and possibly better than you will ever do, on the shop floor, in the stores, with our suppliers, our customers and our partners, you learn to deeply understand what it takes to win other times.”
This has enabled her to embrace change and be bold amid uncertainty. As a result, her leadership focus at Essity prioritises the execution of an ambitious operating model which can be applied to speed across its global footprint, utilising measurable outcomes to focus on productivity and resilience, as well as the renewal of its supply chain to better embrace new trends and meet consumer needs.
The focus on resilience and excellence has been born from the challenge of maintaining consistency throughout uncertainty – something which companies around the world have become familiar with over the past five years. Consistency, Ilham recognises, is not about being stagnant in the face of potential growth, but about maintaining a sense of identity and connection with the consumer as they move on the journey together.
Increasing access In order to develop a strong and resilient supply chain, Essity has implemented a new operating model, designed to create a more integrated and agile supply chain.
24 August 2026