Mercuri Urval Appoints New Leader
April 23, 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has recently appointed Lene Juul Pedersen as group director. Ms. Pedersen is the firm’s global head of compliance and data protection, where she leads compliance strategy and ensures high standards in data protection and operational excellence across the firm’s global executive search and talent advisory services.
“I’m very proud and honored to be appointed group director at MU,” Ms. Pedersen said. “This acknowledgment affirms that the work I do and the dedication I’ve invested in MU is valued. The title as group director recognizes contributions, achievements, and long-term commitment to our organization. I strive to be a role model, representing MU and our values in the best possible way. As I join the partner track, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute even more to our shared vision and work alongside my exceptional colleagues to advance our goals and drive success.”
In her role as role as global head of compliance and data protection, Ms. Pedersen is responsible for defining, upholding and developing processes, methods and reporting for ensuring that company standards are well implemented and complied with globally in MU. With more than 35 years of experience at MU, having joined the company in 1989, she blends deep institutional knowledge with a commitment to integrity and trust in client and candidate interactions. Based in Aarhus, Denmark, Ms. Pedersen is known for cultivating robust compliance practices that support trusted, ethical partnerships worldwide.
“I have worked with MU for quite many years, and I’ll say there are two main reasons why I have worked here as long as I have, the first reason is the opportunity to grow and develop that I am offered in MU,” Ms. Pedersen said. “I have worked in many different roles in MU, and through those different roles, I have grown and developed my skills in many different areas. If you perform well, and you wish to expand your role, MU offers that opportunity. You could say that in MU, we are offered opportunities without limits. I started in the Danish business unit working in various roles, and now I work in HQ as global head of compliance & data protection, plus I’m heading our global specialist team.
“The second reason for my long tenure with MU is the extraordinary colleagues that I have,” Ms. Pedersen continued. “My colleagues are brilliant and talented, and they are kind, helpful and engaging. And on top of that, they are a blast to be with. In enjoy working alongside my colleagues; both in my office in Aarhus, Denmark, and throughout the global MU organization. When we want to make things happen, we do it together.”
Related: Mercuri Urval Acquires Delta Management Consultants
Mercuri Urval is a global executive search and talent advisory firm. The firm was founded in 1967. Today, Mercuri Urval works with more than 3,000 clients – across all sectors – in over 70 countries every year. It is the only global executive search and leadership advisory firm based in the Nordics.
New Practice Lead
MU also recently named Ulf Hillstedt as global practice lead for the construction practice. “Ulf has been working with clients from the construction industry for so many years, that he is the obvious choice to coordinate our activities in this industry globally,” said Andreas Frische, CRO at MU. “We know his passion for the construction Industry, and we are sure our services will benefit many more customers under his management of the construction practice.”
Based in Malmö, Sweden, Mr. Hillstedt has a previous background as management consultant for nearly 30 years, controller, and CEO in Sweden, Denmark and Norway as well as director positions within business development and innovation. Furthermore, he has held positions as a board member in Sweden and Denmark and engaged in mentorships for startups. Mr. Hillstedt also has a background as a teacher at IHM Business School from 1997-2000.
“After 25 exciting years in the market research industry, I strived for doing something new, becoming a leader within a completely new business-to-business sector, within the traditional industry,” Mr. Hillstedt said. “I met a number of recruitment companies and there was only one match for me – MU was clearly state-of-the-art, way ahead all competitors. To me it is important that the MU way of working is based on scientific knowledge and facts. For me it is essential to be able to deliver reliable leadership advice, over time. The approach is based on precisely tailored services and not standard solutions i.e. one size fits all-concept.”
Related: Mercuri Urval Group Appoints Sector Leader
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
