Petra Einarsson Alumna of the Year
The 2013 Alumna of the Year Award at Uppsala University goes to Petra Einarsson, the CEO of Sandvik Materials Technology. She was selected to receive the award because of her deep commitment to diversity issues and her inclusive leadership style, and for setting a good example for students of today and tomorrow.
The announcement of the Alumnus of the Year Award for 2013 was made at an event in the University Main Building on 2 October. This year's alumna, Petra Einarsson, has a degree in economics from Uppsala University, from 1990. Earlier this year she was named Sweden's most powerful woman by the magazine Veckans Affärer (The Week in Business). She is the first woman in group management at Sandvik to head a business area and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Swedish Association of Industrial Employers. Petra Einarsson was unfortunately unable to attend the event and accept the award.
The award committee writes in its statement:
"Petra Einarsson has distinguished herself in her career at Sandvik and is a good ambassador for Uppsala University. She started out as a trainee and then held many different positions in finance, including business controller and CFO. Petra Einarsson has demonstrated her deep commitment to diversity issues and an inclusive leadership style, and she sets a good example for today's students – and those of tomorrow."
Petra Einarsson urges students wishing to pursue a career in business not to make overly detailed plans. 'Focus on what you are truly impassioned about and do what you enjoy doing! Don't make too many plans – let your commitment guide your career path. I also want to encourage young people to dare, to dare to take the opportunities and challenges that pop up, even though it might be a bit scary at times. You can always do much more than you think!' says Petra Einarsson.
Anyone with any association to Uppsala University may submit nominations for the Alumnus of the Year Award. Nominations are reviewed by a committee consisting of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the director of communication, the alumni coordinator, a representative of the Uppsala University Alumni Network, a representative of the student unions, and a representative of the Kuratorskonventet (council of presidents of the student nations). The Vice-Chancellor decides who the recipient will be, based on a proposal put forward by the committee.
Linda Koffmar