In 1989, she was appointed research director of the pharmaceutical company H. Lundbeck in Copenhagen. She remained there for the next nine years, becoming director and executive vice president. Under her leadership, the company grew considerably from 75 to 450 employees. In particular, the company prospered with sales of the antidepressant drug Cipramil. In 1998, after raising capital, she founded Zealand Pharma, with a focus on hormone preparations, serving as principal and board member. She also founded and owns the Danish company New Pharma. In April 2009, she joined Serodus, Oslo, as chief executive officer. Steiness also serves on the boards of several other companies in the medical field.
