18 Feb 2026
Ulrik Andersen to step back from Carlsberg Group after 25 years as Group General Counsel
"Ulrik Andersen is stepping back as Group General Counsel at Carlsberg Group; he will remain until a successor is appointed and may continue as special legal adviser. He led legal & compliance and worked on M&A."
Andersen joined Carlsberg in 1998 as an international lawyer with an initial focus on M&A. He was appointed Group General Counsel in 2001 and has led the group’s legal and compliance function for 25 years, accompanying Carlsberg’s evolution into a global business. Prior to joining Carlsberg, Andersen practised in private practice in London at Holman Fenwick Willan and subsequently in Copenhagen at Dragsted.
Among the milestones of Andersen’s tenure are the 2001 merger with Orkla’s beverage business, the 2008 acquisition of Scottish & Newcastle and the 2024 acquisition of Britvic—transactions that reflected a legal function engaged in both risk management and active support of the group’s growth strategy. As he approaches 63, Andersen has said he wishes to slow the pace. He will remain in charge of legal and compliance until a new general counsel is appointed, expected in the second half of the year, and Carlsberg has asked him to continue working with the company as a special legal adviser to retain institutional knowledge.