IKEA taps textiles leader as new CSO

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Inter IKEA Group, the company behind the diverse range of household items available in IKEA stores, has officially designated the former head of its textile supply chain strategy as its new chief sustainability officer.

Lena Julle, a veteran of over 30 years at IKEA, has been serving as the acting CSO since September 2024, following Pär Stenmark’s decision to step down to prepare for a forthcoming role within the organization.

Julle’s permanent appointment took effect on May 1 after nearly two years of grooming for the position. In her most recent role as sustainability manager for IKEA Range, responsible for the company’s stoves and ovens, Julle played a pivotal role in shaping the unit’s evolving circular economy practices. Before that, she led supply chain operations for the textiles department for a period of six years.

Inter IKEA CEO Jon Abrahamsson Ring praised Julle’s leadership and extensive knowledge of IKEA, highlighting her contributions towards the company’s sustainability goals, including the journey towards net zero emissions.

IKEA’s science-based targets include a commitment to halve its climate impact across all three emissions scopes by 2030, based on a 2016 baseline. As of the fiscal year ending on Aug. 31, 2024, the company had already achieved a cumulative emissions reduction of 28 percent.

A significant challenge in meeting the 2030 target is reducing the environmental impact of raw materials and extraction, which comprised 52 percent of IKEA’s footprint in 2024. Textiles and “comfort materials” like foam used in sofas are the third-largest contributors to this category after metals and wood. Julle’s expertise in managing such supply chains will be crucial in identifying alternative sources and increasing the use of recycled materials in IKEA’s manufacturing processes.

Julle expressed her enthusiasm for combining innovative design with sustainability efforts, emphasizing the opportunity to create practical, well-designed products for everyday home use while advancing the sustainability agenda.