Royal Order of Knighthood Awarded to Ruter Dam Founder Gunilla Arhén

Ruter Dam
May 28
2 min read

Press Release Stockholm, 28 May 2025

Royal Order of Knighthood Awarded to Ruter Dam Founder Gunilla Arhén

On Wednesday evening, Gunilla Arhén, founder and former CEO of Ruter Dam, received the Royal Order of the Commander of the Order of Vasa for her outstanding contributions to women’s leadership.

“I am both honored and delighted that our persistent work to advance women to top positions in the business world has been recognized in this way,” she said.

The royal orders of knighthood ceased to be awarded to Swedish citizens in 1975 but were reinstated last year. Gunilla was previously awarded a royal medal in 2001: the 8th size in the Order of the Seraphim’s ribbon.

“This new order is a reminder that the work to ensure more women in top roles remains ever relevant,” she added.

Gunilla Arhén founded the leadership development and mentoring program Ruter Dam in 1987. Since then, the program has educated more than 1,600 female executives. Without Gunilla Arhén and Ruter Dam, the Swedish business landscape would look very different today. One of the keys to Ruter Dam’s success has been its dual mentorship model—each participant is paired with both an internal and external mentor at senior executive level to support their growth.

Gunilla stepped down as CEO of Ruter Dam in 2017 but remains on the board as Honorary Member. Ruter Dam’s current CEO, Marika Lundsten, and Chair of the Board, Heléne Mellquist, attended the ceremony.

“Every day, I witness how our participants grow as leaders and contribute to business, quality, and results. Through our unique program and strong network, we create the conditions for more women to reach top executive roles in Swedish industry. Gunilla’s recognition through this royal order is a tribute to the very foundation of Ruter Dam,” said Marika Lundsten.

“Many of us have Gunilla to thank for taking steps toward greater responsibility in Swedish business. It’s more important than ever that we continue that journey to ensure Sweden’s global competitiveness by nurturing more talent. That’s why Ruter Dam’s mission to increase the number of women in senior executive roles remains vital,” said Heléne Mellquist.

The official citation reads:

“Gunilla founded Ruter Dam, a leadership development and mentoring program for female leaders. The organization is politically independent and was established in 1987 as a foundation with the mission ‘to contribute to more women in senior executive roles in large companies.’ Ruter Dam operates on the belief that change comes from within, making active mentorship a cornerstone of the program. Gunilla served as the organization’s CEO for 30 years, until 2017. Through her initiative and the founding of Ruter Dam, she has supported many women in taking the next step toward senior leadership positions in business, the public sector, and the Armed Forces, while highlighting the importance and value of women’s leadership.”

For more information:

Lotta Byqvist, PR and Communications

lotta.byqvist@strukturera.se

Mobile: +46 70 726 38 00