Hilde Merete Aasheim

Hilde Merete Aasheim is a prominent Norwegian business executive who has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the global aluminum and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro since 2019. With a background in chemical engineering, she rose through the ranks at Hydro after holding significant leadership positions at Elkem and Sapa Group. Aasheim is recognized for steering the company through complex challenges, including the aftermath of the 2018 Brazil dam disaster, while championing strategies in green aluminum production and corporate sustainability.

Early life and education

Hilde Merete Aasheim was born in 1966 and grew up in Norway. She pursued higher education in the sciences, earning a Master of Science degree in Chemical engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. Her academic foundation in process industries provided a direct pathway into the materials and manufacturing sectors that would define her professional trajectory. Following her graduation, she began her career in the aluminum industry, a field where Norway has long held significant industrial expertise.

Career at Hydro

Aasheim joined Norsk Hydro in 1991, initially working within the company’s extensive aluminum operations. She gained broad experience across various business areas, including roles in primary aluminum production, extrusion, and recycling. Her technical and operational understanding was further developed through assignments in different parts of the Hydro organization. Prior to her appointment as CEO, she held the position of Executive Vice President for Hydro’s Primary Metal business area, where she was responsible for a global portfolio of smelters and alumina refineries.

Leadership and corporate roles

In May 2019, Hilde Merete Aasheim was appointed President and CEO of Norsk Hydro, succeeding Svein Richard Brandtzæg. Her tenure began during a period of significant reputational and operational challenges for the company, largely stemming from the 2018 Brazil dam disaster at the Alunorte refinery. She has focused on strengthening Hydro’s commitment to sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, launching ambitious strategies to increase production of low-carbon aluminum and expand recycling capacities. Under her leadership, Hydro has entered partnerships to develop green hydrogen technology for smelting and advanced projects like the HalZero pilot for carbon-neutral primary production. She also serves on the board of directors for DNB ASA, Norway’s largest financial services group.

Personal life

Hilde Merete Aasheim maintains a relatively private personal life. She is married and has children. Residing in Norway, she is known to be an avid skier, an activity deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture. Her management style is often described as direct, collaborative, and deeply knowledgeable about the technical and industrial realities of the global aluminum market.

Awards and recognition

Aasheim’s leadership has been acknowledged through various industry and business awards. She has been consistently ranked among the most powerful businesswomen in the Nordic countries by publications like Kapital. In 2021, she received the prestigious Petroleum and Energy Minister’s Prize for her contributions to energy and industry. Her work in promoting circular economy principles and green industry transitions has also earned recognition from organizations such as the International Aluminium Institute.