Elopak appoints Håkon Volldal as CEO

NORWAY – Elopak’s Board of Directors has confirmed that Håkon Volldal will assume the CEO role earlier than previously communicated, effective 2 November 2026, with interim CEO Bent K. Axelsen returning to his previously held positions as CFO.

Dag Mejdell, chair of the board, said Volldal brought extensive leadership experience from listed industrial technology companies, including as President and CEO of Nel and Head of TOMRA Collection Solutions, both companies with a clear growth agenda advancing innovation and sustainability based on systemic, societal market shifts. 

He added that Volldal’s track record in scaling engineering-led businesses, driving operational improvement and leading transformation made him well qualified to lead Elopak through its next phase of growth, innovation and sustainability supporting the company’s strategy.

Career Spans TOMRA, Q Free and Nel ASA

Volldal currently serves as President and CEO of Nel ASA. Before that, he held the position of CEO of Q Free and several senior leadership roles at TOMRA, including Executive Vice President and Head of TOMRA Collection Solutions. 

He holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Technology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. 

His background combines engineering expertise with commercial leadership, particularly in collection and recycling systems, which aligns with Elopak’s focus on carton packaging and circularity.

Leadership Transition Accelerated From Previous Timeline

The earlier start date brings forward the planned transition, allowing the incoming chief executive to engage with the business ahead of the new financial year. 

Volldal said he was excited to be joining Elopak, describing it as a company with a strong purpose, a proud heritage and a clear vision for the future. 

He noted that throughout its history, Elopak had demonstrated how innovation and sustainability could go hand in hand to deliver value to customers, shareholders and society.

Priorities Focus on Repackaging Tomorrow Strategy

Volldal said he looked forward to listening, learning and working closely with colleagues, customers and partners around the world, adding that his top priorities would be to accelerate implementation of Elopak’s Repackaging tomorrow strategy and continue driving positive change in the packaging industry. 

The appointment comes as Elopak reported third-quarter net profit growth of 38 percent despite supply constraints in the Americas, with return on capital employed increasing to 15.4 percent. 

His mandate will involve maintaining that momentum while advancing the company’s sustainability commitments across aseptic carton and liquid food packaging markets.

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