Ole Martin Gjestad 🇩🇪 IEM Cologne

Building pathways from digital culture & esports to competence, community and industry | Managing Director, KRED Norway | International speaker

Norway

About

I work at the intersection of digital culture, gaming, esports, education, business and community development. Through KRED Norge, I help build pathways from digital culture and esports to competence, community and industry - turning ideas, networks and local initiatives into structured projects with wider impact. My work focuses on connecting public sector, business, education and international environments to create opportunities for learning, inclusion, talent development and future industry. I also speak and share insights on how gaming, esports and digital culture can drive social, cultural and economic development. Always open to meaningful conversations and collaborations across sectors and countries.

Experience

  • Founder and CEO at KRED Norge
    Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 6 mos

    As the Managing Director of KRED, I am responsible for steering the organization's strategic direction and ensuring that we fulfill our mandate of being the leading resource center for digital culture in Norway. My main tasks include: Strategic leadership: Designing and implementing strategic plans to ensure that KRED meets its short-term and long-term goals. This encompasses everything from the development of new programs and initiatives to the optimization of existing services. Relationships with external stakeholders: Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including industry partners, educational institutions, public agencies, and community organizations. Team leadership: Leading and inspiring the team to perform at their best, ensuring a positive and productive work environment, and supporting employees' professional development. Operational management: Ensuring the efficient operation of the organization, including financial management, risk management, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. Communication: Representing KRED in public forums and media, communicating the organization's vision, goals, and achievements in a clear and engaging way. Promoting gaming culture: Actively working to promote and strengthen gaming culture in Norway, including working on initiatives to support the Norwegian gaming industry nationally and internationally. I am driven by my passion for video games and for creating positive changes in digital culture. My goal is to ensure that KRED continues to be a positive force for change in the Norwegian gaming industry and digital culture.

  • Styremedlem at iSarpsborg AS
    Apr 2026 - Present · 3 mos

  • Lecturer at Foredragsholder Ole Martin Pedersen Gjestad
    Feb 2013 - Present · 13 yrs 5 mos

    As a dynamic and passionate speaker, I regularly deliver keynote addresses and lead workshops on several pertinent topics: Youth Participation: I champion the involvement of young people in decision-making processes, providing insights into how organizations can effectively engage with and include the youth voice. Establishment of Esports: With extensive experience in the esports world, I guide entities on how to create engaging, inclusive, and competitive esports offerings that resonate with audiences and players alike. Gaming Culture as an Inclusive Tool: I delve into the potential of gaming culture as a medium for inclusion, discussing how its interactive and collaborative nature can transcend barriers and foster unity. Parental Guidance on Gaming: Recognizing the challenges many parents face in understanding and managing their children's gaming habits, I provide practical advice on how to navigate the gaming world, promoting healthy habits and ensuring a safe and enriching gaming experience. Through these lectures and workshops, I aim to foster understanding, inspire change, and advocate for the positive role of gaming and esports in society.

  • Founder & CEO at Rotaryon
    Jun 2021 - Jun 2025 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    As the CEO of Rotaryon Esports Club, my primary responsibilities include: Strategic Leadership: Setting the strategic direction for the club, making high-level decisions about club's policy, vision, and strategy. This includes defining both short-term and long-term objectives and monitoring progress. Team Management: Building, leading, and managing a team of professional players and staff, creating a positive, inclusive, and competitive environment. Operations Oversight: Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club, ensuring everything from training schedules to event logistics are well-coordinated. Stakeholder Relations: Cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders such as sponsors, partners, league officials, and fans. Talent Acquisition and Development: Identifying and recruiting promising talent, and supporting their development to foster club success and player career growth. Brand Representation: Acting as the public face of the club, representing Rotaryon in media, public forums, and at esports events. Fan Engagement: Developing and implementing strategies to engage with the fanbase and grow the club's audience. Sponsorship and Partnership Management: Securing sponsorships and partnerships that align with the club’s values and help drive its financial sustainability. Event and Production Management: Overseeing both internal and external productions and events, ensuring high-quality execution that engages our audience and enhances the Rotaryon brand. My role as CEO demands a balance of strategic foresight, operational acumen, and effective team leadership, all geared towards ensuring Rotaryon's success in the dynamic and highly competitive world of esports.

  • Advisor at Sarpsborg kommune
    Aug 2016 - Jan 2021 · 4 yrs 6 mos

    As an advisor for Sarpsborg Municipality, my primary focus is on integrating game culture and digitization into the municipality's operations and action plans. My role entails: Strategic Advisory: Providing strategic advice to the municipality on how to integrate game culture and digital technologies into their services, operations, and community initiatives. Digital Transformation: Guiding the municipality in its digital transformation journey, identifying areas for digital enhancement, and recommending suitable digital solutions. Cultural Integration: Championing the integration of gaming culture into local programs and initiatives, aiming to engage the younger generation and foster a digitally inclusive community. Planning and Policy Development: Assisting in the formulation and execution of action plans and policies related to digitalization and game culture, ensuring they align with the municipality's overall strategic goals. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with various stakeholders, including local schools, community organizations, and residents, to promote understanding and acceptance of game culture and digital technologies. Prior to my consulting role, I spent five years as a Team Leader at the Youth Culture House in Sarpsborg. This experience has given me valuable insights into youth culture and the potential of digital and gaming technologies to engage and empower young people. These insights greatly inform my work with the municipality.