May/June 2022 - 35

KNOW SOMEONE WHO SHOULD BE FEATURED?
Email Zeke Jennings at zjennings@greatamericanpublish.com
or call 616-520-2159
Spudman7
Q&A
WITH
Tove Andersen
In August 2021, Tove Andersen became the CEO of TOMRA, a global supplier
of recycling, mining and food production equipment. With a history with crop
production and nutrient supplier Yara, the TOMRA Food arm of the operation
is near and dear to Andersen's heart. The company has postharvest, sorting
and processing equipment designed for potatoes.
Could you share a little about your background?
Growing up I wanted to become a research scientist. After
my studies (Andersen has a master's in mathematics and
physics), I worked as a researcher for three years. However, I didn't
really have the patience of a scientist, so I (got an) MBA and moved
into business. I have spent most of my professional life at Yara
International, a global leader in crop nutrition. So, the agricultural
sector and food industry are very familiar to me. At Yara, I had many
different roles in different locations, including Sweden, UK, Belgium
and Norway. This has given me broad international experience.
1
What do you think the biggest challenges are for
women to advance into leadership roles?
I have been fortunate to have (male) leaders encouraging and
supporting me throughout my career. However, there are still many who
do not get that same support, and discrimination still exists. It's important
that we acknowledge this - that still in many regions and sectors we
don't have equal opportunities, whether that's for gender, color or other
factors. Companies need to take a proactive role in driving diversity, equality
and inclusion. The most successful companies in the future will be the
companies that value diversity. They will attract the best talent and keep
them, and they will develop the most innovative solutions. We are not
where we want to be on diversity at TOMRA, but we will continue to focus
on this as an essential part of our strategy going forward.
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5
What do you find fulfilling about
your job?
I feel very fortunate to be the CEO of a company
with 4,600 competent and passionate employees. We have
the ambition to lead the resource revolution, we want to
make a positive difference for our customers and by that also
for the world we live in. When I meet customers who talk
about our solutions, how they have improved their operations
and businesses, I feel very proud. That's why we exist - to
make our customers more profitable and more sustainable.
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7
What attracted you to TOMRA?
It's a combination of being a purpose-led
company and a global technology leader.
It's always been important to me to do something
meaningful with my life. TOMRA is well positioned
to make a true difference within resource
management and the circular economy. The way we
use resources today is not sustainable. We need to
rethink how we obtain, use and reuse the planet's
precious resources.
2
4
Any advice for young
people?
Find a job you really like; you will
never excel in something you don't enjoy,
and you need to excel if you are to progress
in your career. You need to deliver above
expectations, so go beyond what is required.
Don't be afraid to be ambitious. I believe
companies like TOMRA hold the key to solve
the global challenges of climate change, food
security and pollution. We need ambitious
leaders at all levels in these companies,
leaders who want to make a difference.
What do you enjoy doing away from work?
Spending time with my family. I'm married with two
children, ages 18 and 20. In addition, I like the
outdoors, hiking in the mountains and running. I love to travel
and explore new places.
What is your favorite way to eat potatoes?
Mashed potatoes - and even better when seasoned
with truffles.
Spudman * May/June 2022
35
May/June 2022

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