TASKS: Since I joined KONGSBERG in November last year, I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the people in the company, the expertise they represent and the market positions that KONGSBERG holds in different industries. I’ve also had many insightful discussions across KONGSBERG with people and departments seeking to discuss how digital disruption will affect them and their market. I have also invested time in building the culture in the new department I will lead – and spent a lot of time in the market to look, learn and influence others into taking KONGSBERG into new dia dialogues. We are seeing new decision-makers amongst our customers, often at board level, who only want to use players from the physical world, such as sensor suppliers, who have a mature digital strategy. In summary, you could say that we took up a strong and clear market position as a company when we launched Kognifai on 28 March, and we will use that position to build a bridge from the current situation to the new opportunities.

SKILLS: I am committed to build an open, innovation- oriented and market-focussed culture within the teams I lead. At the same time, my role is to understand both the industrial and the digital market and ensure that we are successful in both. I follow the principle of “leading by example” - which requires me to listen, motivate and “see” those who work within the organisation – in order to release the energy that is inherent within the team and ensure that everyone understands that they have a say and are an important factor in determining whether or not we succeed as a whole. The digital market does not respect tradition, only innovation. My understanding of the market and what is expected and demanded out there – and the ability to translate this into priorities and development both internally and with partners – is something I will make extensive use of going forward.

TOOLS: My most important tool is people. I also have a Surface and an iPhone with standard software. And if you’re going to make the most of a discussion with me, there should ideally be a blackboard in the room too.

TARGETS: I want to help shape the KONGSBERG of the future. This is something I am determined to do and truly believe: You cannot simply talk about what an environment is like; you must help to shape what it will become. When you enter an environment, you are a representative of what the environment will be like in the future. This is true regardless of whether you are talking about your school children, your sports club or your job. When I join KONGSBERG and take a team with me, I start to shape KONGSBERG to achieve a new “competitive edge” in the market and to follow the values. That is what we go to work for. KONGSBERG’s four values are founded on what has kept the company afloat for over 200 years. In short, I am determined to use our values to set a course to something that the market will want. This restructuring represents an incredibly exciting opportunity.

HIDDEN TALENT: I can’t think of anything off the top of my head, but I’ve had a wide variety of jobs over the years. I’ve been a baker, a chef, a receptionist and a welder at a fish processing plant, and I’ve worked in the construction industry and within psychiatry. So let’s just say that versatility is my main asset.