Maria Smith joins Axfoundation as Secretary General

Maria Smith will join Axfoundation from ICA as the new Secretary General. At the same time, Carolina Sachs will leave the foundation after 12 years to take on new challenges.

Axfoundation works widely with sustainability, initiating and driving change projects for a more sustainable society through four program areas: Sustainable Production and Consumption, Inclusive Society, Future Food and Circular Economy. In accordance with our motto, ‘Act to inspire and inspire to act’, Axfoundation operates through broad partnerships with close proximity to both research and business and with a strong belief in companies as a force for change. Maria Smith joins 15 Axfoundation employees on August 26 to take the business to the next level.

“Axfoundation has repeatedly demonstrated concrete results and is at the forefront of the transition to a more sustainable development. Such actual solutions, with clear connections to the business world, are key to long-term change. Being part of this important work feels very exciting. I look forward to contributing to Axfoundation’s continued efforts together with knowledgeable and committed employees to be a positive force that leads and drives the work for sustainable development” – Maria Smith.

Maria Smith has around twenty years’ experience working with sustainability issues within FMCG, the engineering industry and the service sector, among others. She has several years of experience as a leader and manager and most recently comes from ICA Sverige AB, where she has worked for nearly 12 years. Most recently, Maria was Senior Manager Corporate Responsibility Strategy & Development with responsibility for leading and developing the strategic sustainability work within ICA Gruppen, focussing on issues such as climate, food waste, plastic, public health and social responsibility.

With a civil engineering background in chemistry, Maria is also currently completing an MBA at the Stockholm School of Economics. She has previously worked as an environmental and sustainability consultant and has international experience from projects in China, Vietnam and Mexico. Maria will take over as new Secretary General of Axfoundation on August 26.

At the same time, Carolina Sachs leaves the business after 12 years to tackle new challenges in sustainable investments. Read more here.