BRITT MEELBY JENSEN

Britt Meelby Jensen – CEO of Ambu A/S – has been nominated for the Women's Board Award 2024. Here she shares her thoughts on what a good board and board leader is, and how she herself contributes to creating more visibility about diversity on boards.

Based on your experiences, what are the fundamentals needed for a board to function?

Fundamentally, a competent board requires broad diversity, strong professional competencies and an in-depth understanding of the company. In addition, I believe that the best boards are based on trust and mutual respect, so that openness is created in the collaboration with management. This makes it possible for management to bring difficult dilemmas into the boardroom without hesitation and at the same time be inspired, with respect for a clear division of responsibilities between management and the board.

What profile and experience do you think a good board leader should have?

A good board leader must be able to create diversity in the organization as well as in the management and the board. Diversity must be brought into play, and trust must be fostered across the board. And not least, you must be able to prioritize a valuable, dynamic and fruitful collaboration both internally in the board and in the interaction with management.

Can you give some examples of what you have contributed positively to the work of the board – both with knowledge and personally?

Fundamentally, I contribute with a global outlook by virtue of my international roles. In addition, I run my operational role as CEO in parallel with my role as a board member, which means that I can bring to the board the important first-hand experience that comes with the day-to-day navigation as a CEO in today's changing market conditions, including the dilemmas and opportunities that may arise.

What skills/characteristics would you prefer in a board that you lead?

A high degree of diversity in a board, on several parameters, is incredibly important. This involves diversity across gender, nationality, mindset, qualifications, competencies and thus perspectives. In addition, I consider strong professional skills, trust-based collaboration and an open dialogue to be crucial elements. In addition, I believe that everyone must have a deep understanding of the company and its business areas, and that everyone must prioritize contributing to good cooperation in the board and with management, also outside of meetings.

What does it mean to you to be nominated for the Women's Board Award 2024?

It means a lot. It is important for me to be an active voice for a more action-oriented approach to improving diversity. This applies both to concrete initiatives that companies can take to increase diversity in the upper echelons, and also to the political agenda, especially with a view to creating a better framework for access to help in the home during the years with young children, so that we do not lose too many women in those years.

Read more about this year's nominees in Press release here .