René Hansen

Transformation CEO | Scaling Industrial & Sustainability Technology | Operational Excellence | P&L Leader | 800V Electrification & Industrial Scale-Up

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden

About

I’m a transformation CEO with 20+ years scaling industrial, manufacturing, and sustainability-driven technology businesses. I rebuild operating models, strengthen commercial performance, reduce cost structures, and reposition companies for long-term value. My leadership philosophy is rooted in a B2H mindset — aligning people, culture, and strategy to accelerate execution and create measurable impact. I’ve led transformations at Yara, TOMRA, Stora Enso, and most recently X Shore. My work includes industrializing the world’s first blueprint boat assembly line, cutting 80% of BOM cost, reaching price parity with combustion boats, developing the first 800V marine drivetrain for mass production, and securing the largest electric boat order in the sector. I’ve delivered P&L improvements, launched new digital businesses, integrated global teams, and built partnerships with Porsche, Bosch, UBS, and the European Investment Bank. I focus on roles where clarity, speed, and cross-functional leadership are needed to unlock scale and deliver results.

Experience

  • Chief Executive Officer at X Shore
    Nov 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Reduced 80% of BOM cost (45% in one year), enabling price parity with combustion boats. • Developed the first 800V electric marine drivetrain designed for mass production at combustion-level cost. • Grew sales by 200%+ from 2023–2024 with strengthened commercial and operational discipline. • Secured the largest electric boat order in the sector and built strategic partnerships with Porsche and Bosch. • Expanded production capability, improved unit economics, and simplified the product and manufacturing portfolio. • Recognized by TIME Magazine and Fast Company for leadership in sustainable innovation.

  • Advisor | Summa Equity & Portfolio Brands at Summa Equity
    Nov 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    Supporting Summa Equity and portfolio companies on growth, sustainability, and strategic brand repositioning.

  • Executive Vice President, Head of Brand and Communications at Stora Enso
    Feb 2022 - Nov 2023 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Repositioned the €12.9B group toward sustainability, contributing to +14.9% sales growth. • Developed global ESG platforms and strengthened innovation storytelling across all markets. • Launched internal engagement platform “SE Engaged” aligning culture and strategy to drive cultural transformation.

  • Vice President, Head Of Brand and Corporate Marketing at Yara International
    Oct 2013 - Jan 2022 · 8 yrs 4 mos

    • Drove +123.7% EPS growth and +47.7% market cap growth through corporate repositioning and global strategy execution. • Built and launched Yara Digital Farming (500k users, 8M hectares), Agoro Carbon, and Varda. • Championed Yara Birkeland, the world’s first autonomous electric ship, reaching 1B+ impressions. • Recognized by the Gates Foundation and WBCSD for sustainability and digital innovation. • Increased employee engagement to top 10% among 500 S&P companies globally (IBM benchmark).

  • Vice President, Global Brand & Marketing | TOMRA Systems ASA at TOMRA Systems ASA
    Jul 2010 - Oct 2013 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    • Repositioned TOMRA into a global circular economy leader. • Unified seven divisions into a single global brand platform. • Tripled share price (NOK 24.5 → 70). • Co-developed TOMRA’s global culture and talent platform with the CEO. •