LEAD Network announces the official launch of the Sweden Chapter on 12th November. The initiative brings together leaders from across the Retail and Consumer Goods industry to accelerate gender equality and inclusion – key drivers of innovation, stronger businesses, and better outcomes for society.

LEAD Network is a non-profit, volunteer-led organisation dedicated to attracting, retaining and advancing women in Europe’s Consumer Goods and Retail sector. With over 27,000 members from 81+ countries, 65 partner companies and 450+ active volunteers, the LEAD Network vision is to create workplaces where everyone can contribute and grow, and businesses can thrive. The Sweden Chapter aims to open conversations on inclusive leadership, technology and workplace culture, shaping the future of how companies serve both employees and consumers.

The launch of the LEAD Network Sweden Chapter is co-chaired by Essity and NielsenIQ and builds on the collaboration between volunteers from LEAD Network Partner companies Barilla, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, Essity, IBM, Mondelez, NIQ, Lidl, Solenis & Pernod Ricard. The launch event takes place on 12th November at Essity’s head office in Stockholm.

Speakers include:

• Allyson Zimmerman, CEO, LEAD Network
• Hanna Radtke Bergström, AI Trainer & Founder, AI Boost Academy
• Pia Höök, Research Director, Inspire Lab, KTH

“LEAD Network provides just that – a network. A space to connect, collaborate, and take action on key topics like gender equity. We know we can’t do this alone. By working together across companies and roles, we aim to drive inclusion in Sweden’s Consumer Goods and Retail industry – now and into the future – enabling innovation, equality, and wellbeing for all,” says Melanie Parmeter, DEI lead at Essity Sweden and Co-Chair of the LEAD Sweden Chapter.

“I am a part of LEAD Network Sweden to help accelerate gender equality in our industry and build a strong, inclusive community where diverse talent thrives. Together, we lead with purpose and create a lasting impact.”, says Anna Ekström, Managing Director Nordics at NielsenIQ and Co-Chair of the LEAD Sweden Chapter

Allyson Zimmerman, CEO LEAD Network concludes “the launch of the Sweden Chapter marks an exciting milestone for LEAD Network as its 19th chapter, reinforcing our commitment to a gender-equal future in FMCG and Retail. Driven by passion and collaboration, the committee’s efforts reflect a strong desire to accelerate progress towards equality – an honor for all involved.”