New Head of ESG and Sustainability 

As of 1 July 2024, DS Gruppen A/S has appointed Svanborg Gudjonsdottir as its new Head of ESG and Sustainability. With this appointment, the group is consolidating responsibility for ESG-related processes, reporting and coordination at group level.

PRESS RELEASE Hobro, 3 July 2024

A stronger organisational focus on ESG

For several years, DS Gruppen has worked on environmental, climate and ESG-related matters across various parts of the organisation. Today, several employees from across the group participate in a cross-functional sustainability group, which Svanborg Gudjonsdottir helped to establish in her previous role as Sustainability Manager at DS Stålkonstruktion. The appointment is part of the effort to consolidate and further develop this work at group level.

Svanborg Gudjonsdottir has extensive experience from similar roles, and her work has always been characterised by a focused effort to integrate better, less climate-intensive solutions at every level of the organisation. Her approach combines strategic thinking with operational implementation in a unique way, making her an ideal fit for DS Gruppen’s ambition to be a market leader in construction and the production of steel and concrete building materials.

In-depth knowledge of sustainability, together with a strong passion for environmentally friendly solutions and processes, is reflected throughout Svanborg’s career. As an associate professor at UCN, she has also taught energy and environmental management, energy planning, Lean & Green, LCA and environmental assessment. In addition, she has conducted research into sustainable construction and Lean & Green, as well as helping to develop new study programmes in this field at UCN. Her appointment strengthens DS Group’s ambition to be a frontrunner in the construction industry within Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Svanborg will assume overall responsibility for the Group’s ESG compliance, including both external and internal reporting within DS Group and the wider GOLDBECK Group. This is a key function intended to ensure transparency and compliance with our high standards. She will also continue to work closely with the Group’s sustainability team, which comprises colleagues from all DS Group companies.

Co-CEO Morten Kaad elaborates:
“As one of Denmark’s larger suppliers of turnkey construction projects and building materials made from steel and concrete, DS Group has a responsibility to take a systematic approach to ESG matters. With Svanborg joining the management team, we are strengthening the organisation of this work.”

Svanborg Gudjonsdottir looks forward to her new role:
“I am delighted to become part of DS Group and look forward to continuing the Group’s ESG initiatives. For me, it is important to maintain close dialogue with the organisation and ensure that the ESG work is embedded in both processes and practice.”

Development of the Group’s ESG activities

DS Gruppen looks forward to continuing its work on ESG and sustainability, with Svanborg Gudjonsdottir responsible for this area. Her experience and expertise will help to further develop the Group’s work on ESG processes, reporting and organisation.

About the Author

Oline Erfurth Eskebjerg Christiansen

With a background as a trained journalist and marketing management graduate, Oline makes a strong contribution to digital communication across DS Gruppen. In addition, through her engaging writing style, she communicates both internally and externally – whether it is employee profiles, project news, organizational updates, or stories about our sponsorships. Oline also has prior experience with magazine articles, social media content, video, advertorials, and other areas within journalism and communication.