Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
In my 30 years of work experience I have had leadership positions strategically and operationally, in both small and large enterprises, across a number of industries. I have studied, worked and lived in 6 countries outside of Norway over 10 years. Specialties: Managing Director, CFO, Board member, Management Consultant, Investor in start-ups, Business Developer Oil&Gas, Oil&Gas Operations. Today I'm rye CFO in Proximar Seafood. My previous position was as Country Manager for Equinor in Japan, where the company has the ambition to becoming a leading player in the offshore wind industry. Before that, I was as head of access for Long-term countries in the Global BD portfolio of Equinor. Former Investment Manager in Equinor Technology Ventures, following 4 years in Operations, as Platform Manager at the Sleipner field (3 years) and as Improvement Manager (1 year). Previously VP and Country President for Statoil in China, following 3 years as Leading Business Developer based in the Middle East. Former Managing Director at Melvær&Lien Idea Entrepreneur, International Manager with Telitas AS and 5 years as Management Consultant with C&L/PwC in London/Oslo. MSc from Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH) and Master of European Management from Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, Austria. Passed finalist with Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in UK. Love soccer and the pain of running marathons, with 2.54.27 as PB.
IKM Subsea is a leading independent ROV and subsea operator, recognized for our pioneering electric WROV technology and extensive industry experience. With wholly owned daughter companies in 6 countries, our approximately 400 employees are delivering safe and efficient operations for customers all over the world.
Proximar Seafood is a land-based salmon farming company, listed in Norway. The first large-scale farm for Atlantic salmon has been delivering fresh fish to the Japanese consumers since the end of 2024. As CFO I was responsible for financing (carried out two private placement, a subsequent offering and a rights issue, in addition to several loan agreements), financial reporting to the stock market, accounting and IR. I worked closely with the largest investors and lenders, investment banks, legal counsel, and other key stakeholders. I held the role as Board secretary in Norway and sat on the board in the Japanese daughter company. Represented the company at several sea food-conferences in Norway and advised the CEO on all strategic issues.
Headed up Equinor's activities in Japan, where Equinor has the ambition to become a leading player in the offshore wind industry. In addition, Equinor is also engaged in other initiatives within the renewable energy space, as well as being both a customer (buying e.g. steel) and supplier (of both gas and crude oil) to Japanese companies. As Country Manager, I was the main representative and primary spokesperson in Japan. I drove Equinor's business objectives and aligned the activities and business planning across different business areas. Other important aspects of the job was to manage relations with important stakeholders, being responsible for health, safety, security and sustainability, in addition to emergency preparedness.
Responsible for upstream access of the countries in the portfolio of Long term BD within Global Strategy and Business Development, focusing on Russia, China and the Middle East. Working closely with Equinor's country managers, I lead the BD work towards the various National Oil Companies. Together, we created and matured business opportunities within the upstream value chain, also encompassing renewable energy in the business plans.
As Investment Manager in Equinor Technology Ventures (ETV), I combined my offshore- and operational experience with my previous expertise from finance, BD- and strategy work. ETV has been established to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with exciting new technologies in oil and energy—and in turn, helping Equinor be the world’s most carbon-efficient oil and gas producer with a developing renewable business.
Overall responsible for safety, production and maintenance at one of the largest oil and gas field complexes in the North Sea. During a year the Sleipner complex generates revenue in excess of 2 bn USD and can host a staff of 240 people. As platform manager I was head of the emergency response team onboard, empowered to take deciding actions in case of any emergency. I also hosted several delegations of cabinet ministers, senior politicians, heads of unions, TV stations and newspapers.
In order to grow as a leader and broaden my knowledge of the oil and gas industry, I took on the challenge of becoming a Platform Manager at one of Statoil's offshore installations. Without any previous offshore- or operational experience, I needed to undergo a comprehensive training programme consisting of 3 main parts: emergency preparedness, operational understanding and platform management. The training ended with an external exam in a simulator where 4 candidates played out 16 emergency preparedness scenarios over 4 days.
Headed up Statoil’s activities in the country from our Beijing office. 4 out of Statoil’s 7 Business Areas were present, and we did work within Upstream Business Development (focusing on unconventionals), Exploration, Procurement and Supplier Development, and R&D. There were 9 Norwegian expats and 18 local staff employed in Beijing.
During my two years at Melvær&Lien the company had operations within 4 core areas; business start-ups, brand management, grapichal design and advertising. In addition, they held an investment portfolio of some 10 companies. I joined the company as head of the investment arm and took over as MD after 6t months. Led the company through a period of restructuring, both structurally, organizationally and financially.