Get to know our new CEO
Kristin Svardal became the new CEO of Ocean Hyway Cluster in August. She is now leading a network with a total of 130 member companies and 7 employees. We reached out to Kristin for a chat about life as the new CEO.
What does a typical workday look like for you, Kristin?
Kristin Svardal (to the right), together with her employees Maria Brandsøy, Stein Kvalsund (former CEO, now COO) and Sandra Nekkøy.
It is very varied and never the same as the day before, says Kristin. A typical workday a good combination of following up on daily operations, long-term planning and following up on projects and activities we have with our members. Being close to our members and understanding their needs is the foundation of our work.
We are a good team in the cluster administration with complementary expertise who work closely to follow up our more than 130 members.
What is the best thing about working in Ocean Hyway Cluster?
I find it frightening to take in the climate change we see around us. And we have both a terrible war and an energy crisis in Europe. I think about my daughters, the generations to come and what awaits them. The green transition for me means big changes. We as consumers need to change; reduce our consumption, change habits and take part in the big changes in our society. It also means major changes for companies as sustainability becomes a requirement in future contracts. There will be stricter requirements and regulations in all sectors which means that it will cost more to operate as before with fossil fuels. At the same time, it means opportunities for those who change – because these solutions are not something we only need in Norway, but also globally.
It is of great importance to me to make the green transition happen through close cooperation with leading companies from the maritime cluster and from the entire hydrogen value chain. We are building expertise and facilitates cooperation between companies that are now developing technology and solutions that are important for achieving climate goals. The solutions contribute to increased value creation in the companies and will be important in Norway's export strategies in the future, Kristin explains.
“What is needed now is concrete action, not more investigations and fine speeches”
And what is the worst thing about working in the cluster?
Fortunately, there are mostly good days at work with a lot of positivity. For an impatient person like me, I sometimes feel that things are running late. The industry is now impatient to realise more of its projects. What is needed now is concrete action, not more investigations and fine speeches, but implementing what we have said we will implement. It's urgent and the transition is too slow. At the current pace, we are not reaching the goal of halving CO2 emissions by 2030.
What do you prefer doing when you're not working?
I love going to festivals and concerts and have used the post-covid time well for that! Otherwise, I try to find time to exercise, largely in the mountains/outdoors. I love good food and good drinks! And definitely likes to travel and get new impulses. I am a mom of 2 girls aged 11 and 13, so I am also the “logistics manager” for their handball team, volunteering work, school, dance and other social things that happen in their lives. It is important for me to have time with the ones I love and make the best of every day!, says Kristin enthusiastically.
We love fun facts! Do you have one to share with us?
I'm really afraid of heights, but every year I climb a high mountain to challenge myself, Kristin ends.
Kristin at Romsdalseggen in August 2022. The trail leads through a varied landscape, from the forest to bare mountains up to 1,329 meters above sea level.
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