Danfoss appoints Maria Fernanda Souto as Head of Group Strategy

Danish manufacturing multinational Danfoss has named former strategy consultant Maria Fernanda Souto as the Head of its newly launched Group Strategy function. 

In her new role, Souto will lead the strategy development and execution agenda of Danfoss, at a time of major change for the company and the segments it operates in. Founded in 1933, Danfoss today is a global leader in the segments of climate solutions (air conditioning and cooling systems), heating (thermostats, products for heating systems) and refrigerants (fluids for heating or cooling). 

“Increased global focus on energy efficiency and electrification as part of the green transition is creating new opportunities for Danfoss. That is the key reason why we established a new Group Strategy Function,” explained Kim Fausing, President and CEO of Danfoss. 

“The new function will play a key role in helping to track and review our strategic priorities as we move forward with our transformation – aimed at becoming a leading supplier of sustainable energy-saving solutions that enables the green transition towards lower CO2 emissions and more electrification,” he added. 

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome María to the team. Her global mindset and vast experience of various industries will be a great asset.” Having spent fifteen in the strategy consulting industry, Souto brings extensive experience in strategy-related work to the Nordborg-headquartered company.

She previously spent eleven years at McKinsey & Company, latterly as an Associate Partner, and four years at Qvartz (now part of Bain & Company). Since departing consulting in 2019, she served as Group Vice President Head of Strategy in Kongsberg Gruppen in Norway. 

Souto, who will relocate to Denmark to take on her new adventure as of August 1, said, “I’m excited about joining Danfoss at this fantastic time in the company’s history. I am looking forward to working with the team to assist the leadership team in developing and tracking the strategy, driving the growth supported by the strong tailwinds of electrification, digitalisation, and the green transition.”