CofC Names New Senior VP for Innovation, Industry Engagement

College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu has appointed global executive and engineer Katarina Fjording as the College’s senior vice president for innovation and industry engagement and as a distinguished professor of practice.

Fjording has 37 years of global experience in Europe, America and Asia with major OEMs, Volvo Cars and Ford Motor Company and as a Tier 1 supplier to the industry. In addition to building organizations, leading complex projects and managing major operations, she has broad experience in the automotive industry that includes engineering, product development, manufacturing, supply chain, project management, sustainability, construction, education and customer experience.

Fjording, who started her career as a mechanical design engineer, has held several senior positions with Volvo Cars. As vice president of manufacturing operations in Asia, she oversaw the launch and operations of three different automotive production facilities, in addition to the operations of two other manufacturing sites and the logistics for the region. As vice president of purchasing and manufacturing America, she led the establishment of Volvo Cars’ first industrial footprint in America, a greenfield mega project, including overseeing the build of the production facility in South Carolina. Most recently, as the head of Volvo Car University and Sustainability America, Fjording co-created leadership educations with Yale School of Management and was responsible for sustainability in America.

Fjording has also previously worked as a manager and project leader with Ford Motor Company in Detroit and Chicago, and as a Tier 1 supplier to the German automotive industry, leading tool makers and design teams in Europe.

“Katarina brings a wealth of executive-level experience to the College of Charleston as well as a diverse network of relationships throughout the region,” Hsu says. “We are excited to have her join our leadership team and work to enhance our institution’s industry partnerships and engagements.”

In her new advisory role to the president, provost and chief advancement officer, Fjording will work to help position the College as a strong academic partner to businesses in the region and across the state. She will also help guide faculty and staff as they continue to innovate curriculum and consider new academic programs that appeal to both employers and prospective students.

Fjording has been active on the College of Charleston School of Business Board of Governors since 2019, and she is a co-creator of the College of Charleston Women for Women Summit.

Fjording is a well-known and longtime influential leader and volunteer in the local community, with board assignments and positions with commerce, institutions, nonprofits and the military base. She currently serves on the Red Cross of South Carolina Lowcountry board, which she previously chaired, and on the Honorary Commander’s Advisory Council at the Joint Base Charleston. Previous board assignments include Clemson University President’s Advisory Board, Cradle to Career board, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China and the Executive Board of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to serving as a senior advisor and consultant to various industries and business and community leaders through her company, Fatum, Fjording now works with sustainability and resiliency systems integration for coastal communities for Coastal 8.

Fjording received the Manufacturing Institute STEP Ahead Award, the Trident Literacy Association Founder’s Award and an honorary doctor of science from Claflin University. Charleston Business Magazine named her one of the 50 Most Influential in the South Carolina Lowcountry in 2017.