Essity appoints Kate Prince as senior public affairs manager for UK and ROI

Essity, a global leader in hygiene and health products, has appointed Kate Prince as its new senior public affairs manager for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Prince’s role will focus on establishing Essity as a key voice in public policy discussions and strengthening the company’s relationships with decision-makers and opinion leaders in both regions.

Bringing 25 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, and sustainability, Prince has a strong background in engaging with key industry stakeholders. She previously spent 16 years at Kellogg’s, where she was instrumental in advancing social impact and sustainability initiatives across the UK and Europe, working closely with NGOs and policymakers.

At Essity, Prince will lead efforts to shape and drive the company’s public affairs and societal impact strategy, including its long-standing partnership with the charity In Kind Direct, through which Essity donates more than 2.2 million essential hygiene and health products annually. She will collaborate with teams across the company’s consumer goods, healthcare, medical, and professional hygiene divisions, as well as with its five UK manufacturing sites, to influence public policy through strong stakeholder relationships and partnerships.

 

“Recent years have seen significant shifts in healthcare policy and regulatory environments across the UK and ROI, affecting our industry from manufacturing to consumers”, said Lee Doherty, vice president of Consumer Goods for the UKI and MEA at Essity. “With a new government in place and a range of healthcare challenges and opportunities ahead, it is essential that industry insights shape future decisions. As a leader in hygiene and healthcare, Essity needs to be at the forefront of these discussions, contributing to policies that benefit both consumers and organizations that rely on our products. We have been enhancing our corporate team this year, and we are thrilled to welcome Kate to lead our public affairs efforts. Her wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to make a meaningful difference through our operations and products”.

Prince expressed enthusiasm for her new role, highlighting the importance of sustainability and innovation: “In the coming years, the challenges facing our environment will become more pressing, and the healthcare landscape will continue to evolve. It’s exciting to join a company that is at the forefront of sustainability and embedding innovation into its operations”, she said. “Essity has a real opportunity to shape the conversation and make a tangible impact on the societal issues we face today. I look forward to using my expertise and network to ensure Essity plays a central role in future industry developments”.