Outokumpu Oyj Appoints New Executive Vice President for People, Sustainability and Corporate Relations
Finland‑based stainless‑steel producer Outokumpu Oyj announced that Anouk de Graaf will join the company’s executive board as Executive Vice President (EVP) of People, Sustainability & Corporate Relations, effective 1 February 2026. The appointment follows a trend of heightened focus on human capital and environmental stewardship in the metals and mining sector.
Background of the New Leader
Anouk de Graaf arrives from Borealis, where she served as Head of Human Resources, and has held senior roles at DSM and Philips. Her experience spans large, multinational organizations that have integrated sustainability into core business strategies. De Graaf will be based in the Netherlands and will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Kati ter Horst.
The move underscores Outokumpu’s intent to strengthen its corporate governance and align its human‑resource policies with global sustainability goals. It also reflects a broader industry shift toward embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into operational and strategic planning.
Strategic Context
Outokumpu is a leading producer of stainless‑steel products, supplying a wide range of customers across Europe, Asia and Oceania. The company offers cold‑rolled and hot‑rolled coils, precision strips, plates, long products, structural elements and specialty items such as ferrochrome. Its products are used in construction, automotive, energy, food and beverage, and heavy‑industry applications.
Recent market data show that the company’s stainless‑steel sales increased during the January‑September period of 2025, indicating resilience amid fluctuating commodity prices and supply‑chain disruptions. While the full annual figures are not yet available, the upward trend in the first nine months suggests that Outokumpu is maintaining demand in key sectors such as infrastructure and automotive manufacturing.
Implications for Sustainability and Corporate Relations
Outokumpu’s portfolio includes high‑performance materials that enable energy‑efficient buildings and low‑emission transport solutions. By elevating the role of People, Sustainability & Corporate Relations, the company signals its commitment to:
- Talent Management – Developing a workforce that can innovate and implement advanced metallurgical processes while ensuring inclusive and equitable employment practices.
- Environmental Stewardship – Continuing to reduce the carbon footprint of stainless‑steel production and expanding the use of recycled content.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Strengthening relationships with customers, regulators, NGOs and local communities to support responsible sourcing and production.
The appointment is timed with Outokumpu’s annual reporting cycle. The company’s most recent close price on 29 May 2025 was €3.452, with a 52‑week high of €3.869 and a low of €2.698, reflecting the volatility typical of commodity‑based manufacturing firms. Investors will be watching how the new EVP’s initiatives translate into measurable ESG metrics and potentially influence the stock’s performance.
Looking Ahead
With Anouk de Graaf joining the executive board, Outokumpu positions itself to navigate the twin challenges of maintaining robust sales growth while advancing sustainability. The company’s ability to integrate people and environmental objectives will likely become a key differentiator in a market where investors, regulators and customers increasingly demand transparent, responsible corporate conduct.
As the new role takes effect in early 2026, stakeholders will anticipate reports on the progress of people‑centric initiatives and sustainability targets, providing a clearer picture of how Outokumpu’s strategic priorities will shape its long‑term competitiveness.
