Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, Carina Malmgren Heander has decided to retire from her position at SAS. Carina Malmgren Heander will officially step down from her role on February 1, 2024. However, she will continue to serve as a senior advisor to CEO Anko van der Werff until summer 2024, ensuring a smooth transition.

In light of Carina’s retirement, SAS announces an internal reorganization with the establishment of a new Chief People function. This will replace the Chief of Staff function and comprise among others the HR and Communication roles. SAS appoints Pernille Ormholt as new Chief People Officer.

At the same time, the General Counsel position will be part of Group Management and Anna Almén, presently Vice President General Counsel, will also join SAS Group Management as Chief Legal Officer.

Carina Malmgren Heander has been a member of SAS Group Management since 2015 and she has been instrumental in several transformation initiatives, with the aim of building a competitive SAS for the future.

“I want to thank Carina for her dedication to SAS during almost a decade of very demanding times. We appreciate her stamina, strategic mindset and focus on achieving results. I wish her all the best in the new phase as she retires,” says President & CEO Anko van der Werff.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of SAS Group Management and the journey to secure and maintain SAS’ role as the leading airline in Scandinavia. The dedication and commitment shown by SAS employees every day is something that has made a lasting impression,” says Carina Malmgren Heander.

Upcoming Chief People Officer Pernille Ormholt Vang is a seasoned HR leader with a successful career within the Maersk group. Currently serving as Regional Head of HR for Maersk APAC Region, Pernille brings extensive experience and expertise to her new role. Pernille Ormholt Vang assumes her role on January 1, 2024.

“I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to Pernille Ormholt Vang. With a comprehensive background in Global, Corporate, and Regional HR leadership roles, Pernille brings extensive experience to our organization. Her proven track record in driving organizational transformations makes her a valuable addition to the SAS management team. We look forward to the positive impact this will have,” says Anko van der Werff.

“I am truly honored and excited to embark on this new journey at SAS. My career has been dedicated to creating business results in global organizations, and I look forward to contributing my skills and expertise to the dynamic environment at SAS and together with the team,” says Pernille Ormholt Vang.   

“Anna Almén has been instrumental in SAS’ ongoing restructuring and a driving force in our transformation. Anna has been a valued colleague at SAS for over 20 years and I look forward to continuing our close cooperation. I am delighted to welcome Anna into the Group Management team,” says Anko van der Werff.

“I am excited about the opportunity to continue shaping SAS together with my colleagues, and together with our new owners,” concludes Anna Almén.