The task is clear for Danish Crown's next Group CEO: the business must be transformed, and competitiveness improved. Therefore, the board of Danish Crown has focused on finding a leadership profile with solid experience in transformation and change management – something that really characterises Danish Crown's coming Group CEO, Niels Duedahl.
"We are facing a new strategy period and are in the initial phase of a significant transformation of Danish Crown's business, which must be carried out with precision and high cadence. As a top executive, Niels has made big and bold decisions, and he is visionary, even in adversity. He is also a value-driven leader who is very aware of the importance of culture in a company undergoing change. We are extremely pleased that Niels has accepted the assignment, and we look forward to having him on board," says Danish Crown's chairman, Asger Krogsgaard.
Since 2009, Niels Duedahl has as CEO transformed the electricity company SE into the energy company Norlys, which is now the market leader in energy and telecommunications in a low-margin market. From 2002 to 2009, he held various Vice President positions in the LEGO group. First heading up Production Technology, later Global Procurement, and finally Global Manufacturing. Before that, the early years of his career were spent with senior positions in the TDC group and in the finance departments of both Nordea and Jyske Bank.
Niels Duedahl, who is educated in economics, was named leader of the year in 2013 and is known for his value-based approach to leadership and transformation.
"A few times in life, you get an opportunity that is so exciting that you simply cannot say no. Danish Crown is undergoing a thorough transformation, which I feel well-equipped to lead. Throughout my professional life, I have been in the midst of very extensive and radical transformation processes, and I am focused on how to create the leadership foundation to accelerate the necessary changes," says Niels Duedahl. He continues:
"Danish Crown is a fantastic company, which I believe has unrealised potential. I am highly motivated to ensure competitive returns for the farmer owners, as well as passionate about creating a workplace and culture where the best talents want to work."
Niels Duedahl will assume the position of Group CEO of Danish Crown on September 2, 2024. He will replace Jais Valeur, who, as previously announced, has chosen to step down as Group CEO of Danish Crown once a successor is in place. Jais Valeur will therefore have his last working day as Group CEO on August 30, 2024.
"Jais has made a huge effort for Danish Crown. Under his leadership, there has been significant development, professionalisation, and internationalisation of the group. It also says everything about Jais' sense of dedication to Danish Crown that he agreed to stay to ensure uninterrupted leadership focus in the organisation until we had a successor ready. A big thank you to Jais from me," says Asger Krogsgaard. He continues:
"At the same time, it is fantastic that Niels Duedahl can start in the job just three months after we announced Jais Valeur's desire to step down. This means he can help drive the strategic process we initiated before the summer holidays and immediately can make his mark on Danish Crown's direction moving forward," concludes Asger Krogsgaard.