Changing of the guard at Energy Valley
As we ramp up for the second half of 2025, we’d like to inform you of changes to the Energy Valley team.
Perhaps the biggest change is that Bjørn Ottar Elseth has decided to pursue new opportunities and will be stepping down as the CEO of Energy Valley from 15 August. Having first held the role as VP Strategy and Operations, Bjørn Ottar has been leading the way at Energy Valley for nearly two years now. He has brought with him a wealth of experience from the aerospace, communications, and energy industries and been instrumental in the cluster’s growth.
In order to ensure a smooth transition, Bjørn Ottar will continue supporting Energy Valley part time through September.
“It has been a true pleasure and honour to have served as the CEO of Energy Valley. As I now embark on new opportunities in the high-tech sector, including exciting energy projects, I look forward to staying in touch with the exciting companies, organisations, and good people in Energy Valley,” says Bjørn Ottar.
Going forward
For the interim period, Head of Projects and Administration, Vibeke Østlyngen, will step into the CEO role. Having been with Energy Valley for over a year and a half, Vibeke has brought with her more than 25 years of experience from within the shipping and maritime industry. She has an extensive background in operations, strategy, and market intelligence, and has played a key role in growing Energy Valley. We’re confident the Valley is in great hands during this transition period!
The chair of Energy Valley, Kathrine Ryengen, emphasizes the importance of a strong Energy Vally to contribute to the success of the members of the network:
“We’d like to sincerely thank Bjørn Ottar for his contributions in driving the Valley’s journey forward and wish him all the best in his new endeavours! The board is very glad to have Vibeke taking the interim CEO role as the recruitment process for a new CEO has already started.”
Comms support
We are also happy to welcome Leila Asdal Danielsen to the team! Leila joined Energy Valley in June as a part-time Communication Advisor. With an extensive background in all things marketing, communication, and brand, Leila brings with her over a decade of experience from the energy industry.
Returning from abroad
Finally, we are pleased to welcome CCO Preben Strøm back to Norway. Preben has been representing Energy Valley from his base in Singapore for the last two years, but will once more be based in Norway from August. Having more than a decade with Energy Valley directly, Preben has been an integral part of the Valley as it’s developed, changed, and grown over the years. We’re looking forward to having him in the same time zone again and the continuation of great collaboration!
We are here to make a difference
As always, Energy Valley keeps our members first and foremost in focus. We’re ready to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything you’re wondering about or any way we can help. We’re looking forward to an exciting and productive rest of 2025, so keep an eye on our news for more info.
