We wish you could spend a day with us to get to know us better
Second best will be reading about us.
The way we think
We have never been afraid of challenging the established. The established way of thinking, of doing things. We spot opportunities when they arise, and we have the people, experience, and tools to make the most of them.
Straight to the point
In OKEA, we have a flat structure that enables efficient processes. Leaders and management are open and available to our colleagues. That means, if we want something done, our streamlined organisation will enable us to reach our goals. This also goes for our partners and suppliers. Our One Team philosophy, embedded across our organisation, ensures we collaborate effectively to manage our projects successfully.
We say what we do and do what we say. That’s how we aim high together.
Close to success
Our strategy is to further develop mid- and late-life assets. By tying new resources to existing infrastructure, utilising new technologies and increasing efficiency, we reduce cost and our operational footprint while extending the life-time of our assets.
At OKEA, we also have a different view on maintenance. We view it not as an expense, but as an investment in our assets, our company, and our future.
On the safe side
We may strive to make things more efficient and straightforward, but we never, ever compromise on HSEQ as safety is fundamental to our licence to operate.
Everything we do is based on our four values
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Open
We dare to share info openly. We meet each other with understanding and positivity. We are always being honest. We dare to be proud. We drive clarity in what we say and do. We actively encourage collaboration.
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Engaged
We are always personally invested in our activities. We strive for development, improvement and innovation – both in OKEA and personally. We care about each other and how we work together.
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Responsible
We always act with integrity. We take ownership of both individual and joint results. We are reliable in our actions – we do what we say and say what we do. We behave with respect when meeting others within and outside OKEA.
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Ambitious
We aim high – together. We dare to take chances and innovate to drive progress. We actively work to improve ourselves and our colleagues. We are always willing to try new ways of working and new technology.
Management
Svein J. Liknes has over 25 years of experience in the oil and offshore industry. At Aker Energy, he served as acting CEO and Head of Operations. He also has experience as SVP Operations and Asset Development from Aker BP. Mr. Liknes has a background in the Norwegian Armed Forces and studied Nautical Science at the University of Stavanger and Haugesund.
Svein J. Liknes
CEO
Svein J. Liknes has over 25 years of experience in the oil and offshore industry. At Aker Energy, he served as acting CEO and Head of Operations. He also has experience as SVP Operations and Asset Development from Aker BP. Mr. Liknes has a background in the Norwegian Armed Forces and studied Nautical Science at the University of Stavanger and Haugesund.
Birte Norheim brings over 20 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Prior to joining OKEA, she held several senior leadership and financial roles, including CEO of Njord Gas Infrastructure AS and Vice President Finance at Sevan Marine ASA. Birte holds a Master of Applied Finance from Queensland University of Technology.
Birte Norheim
CFO
Birte Norheim brings over 20 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Prior to joining OKEA, she held several senior leadership and financial roles, including CEO of Njord Gas Infrastructure AS and Vice President Finance at Sevan Marine ASA. Birte holds a Master of Applied Finance from Queensland University of Technology.
Espen Myhra has more than 25 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Before joining OKEA in 2015, he served as Deputy Director General and Head of the Exploration Section in the Norwegian Ministry of Energy. He has also held diplomatic roles as Energy Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassies in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa.
Espen Myhra
SVP Strategy, Business Development & Commercial
Espen Myhra has more than 25 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Before joining OKEA in 2015, he served as Deputy Director General and Head of the Exploration Section in the Norwegian Ministry of Energy. He has also held diplomatic roles as Energy Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassies in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa.
Tor Bjerkestrand has more than 30 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Before joining OKEA, he held technical and leadership roles at Aker Engineering, Phillips Petroleum, Kværner Oil & Gas, Petroleum Development Oman, Norske Shell, and Shell International. Tor holds a Master of Science in Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Tor Bjerkestrand
SVP Operations
Tor Bjerkestrand has more than 30 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Before joining OKEA, he held technical and leadership roles at Aker Engineering, Phillips Petroleum, Kværner Oil & Gas, Petroleum Development Oman, Norske Shell, and Shell International. Tor holds a Master of Science in Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Knut Gjertsen has more than 35 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Before joining OKEA, he held senior positions at Multiconsult, Norwegian Contractors, Aker, Kværner, and Statoil/Equinor. His most recent roles in Equinor included Head of Snøhvit/Hammerfest LNG operations and Project Director for the Johan Castberg development. Knut holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Knut Gjertsen
SVP Projects and Technology
Knut Gjertsen has more than 35 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Before joining OKEA, he held senior positions at Multiconsult, Norwegian Contractors, Aker, Kværner, and Statoil/Equinor. His most recent roles in Equinor included Head of Snøhvit/Hammerfest LNG operations and Project Director for the Johan Castberg development. Knut holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Ida Ianssen Lundh has more than 15 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Before joining OKEA in 2015, she held national and international roles at Shell and worked with DNO. At OKEA, she has served as Vice President Drilling & Wells and Vice President Business Development, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions. Ida holds a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Colorado School of Mines.
Ida Ianssen Lundh
SVP Subsurface
Ida Ianssen Lundh has more than 15 years of experience from the oil and gas industry. Before joining OKEA in 2015, she held national and international roles at Shell and worked with DNO. At OKEA, she has served as Vice President Drilling & Wells and Vice President Business Development, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions. Ida holds a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Colorado School of Mines.
Børge Nerland has more than 20 years of experience from the oil and gas industry working in BP and Wintershall Dea. Before joining OKEA, he held several technical and leadership positions, including international roles across the UK, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Trinidad, Algeria, and Alaska. Børge holds an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim.
Børge Nerland
SVP Drilling & Wells
Børge Nerland has more than 20 years of experience from the oil and gas industry working in BP and Wintershall Dea. Before joining OKEA, he held several technical and leadership positions, including international roles across the UK, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Trinidad, Algeria, and Alaska. Børge holds an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim.
Kjersti Hovdal has around 25 years of experience in various leadership positions within finance in OKEA, Aker BP/Det Norske Oljeselskap/Pertra. She started her career as an auditor and advisor for Ernst & Young. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and auditing.
Kjersti Hovdal
SVP Corporate Services
Kjersti Hovdal has around 25 years of experience in various leadership positions within finance in OKEA, Aker BP/Det Norske Oljeselskap/Pertra. She started her career as an auditor and advisor for Ernst & Young. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and auditing.
Hege Færø-Finnvik has more than 20 years of experience from the energy industry. She joins OKEA from Hydro Havrand, where she held the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Prior to that, she held executive leadership roles at Equinor (formerly Statoil), in operations, digitalisation, technical integrity, and organisational development and change, in Norway and internationally. Hege holds an MSc in Industrial Economics and Technology Management (INDØK) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim.
Hege Færø-Finnvik
SVP Performance and Partner Operated assets
Hege Færø-Finnvik has more than 20 years of experience from the energy industry. She joins OKEA from Hydro Havrand, where she held the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Prior to that, she held executive leadership roles at Equinor (formerly Statoil), in operations, digitalisation, technical integrity, and organisational development and change, in Norway and internationally. Hege holds an MSc in Industrial Economics and Technology Management (INDØK) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim.
Dag Eggan has more than 25 years of experience in the oil and offshore industry. He was co-founder and partner of PIER Offshore Management Services and has experience in several senior management positions, including Quality Risk Manager in the Mobile Newbuilds Group in Statoil and VP QSHE in Ocean Rig, Sevan Drilling and Skeie Drilling & Production. Dag holds a Master of Science in Environmental & Resource Engineering from NTNU.
Dag Eggan
SVP Special Projects
Dag Eggan has more than 25 years of experience in the oil and offshore industry. He was co-founder and partner of PIER Offshore Management Services and has experience in several senior management positions, including Quality Risk Manager in the Mobile Newbuilds Group in Statoil and VP QSHE in Ocean Rig, Sevan Drilling and Skeie Drilling & Production. Dag holds a Master of Science in Environmental & Resource Engineering from NTNU.
Marit Moen Vik-Langlie has 10+ years of experience with commercial and contract law and has worked at Advokatfirmaet Steenstrup Stordrange DA (Sands). Marit holds a Master of Law from the University of Oslo.
Marit Moen Vik-Langlie
VP Legal
Marit Moen Vik-Langlie has 10+ years of experience with commercial and contract law and has worked at Advokatfirmaet Steenstrup Stordrange DA (Sands). Marit holds a Master of Law from the University of Oslo.
Board of directors
Non-executive.
Chaiwat Kovavisarach (born 1966) has been the President and Group CEO of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited since 2015. He also serves on the board of several listed and non-listed companies including, vice-chairman of BCPG and Director of BBGI, and is the chairman of Thai-Europe Business Council, chairman of Innovation Institute for Industry vice chairman of the Federation of Thai industries, the executive chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Asian Institute of Technology and a Director of the International Chamber of Commerce for Thailand. He holds a Master of Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), an MBA from Thammasat University and a Bachelor of Engineering from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL).
Chaiwat Kovavisarach
Chairman of the Board
Non-executive.
Chaiwat Kovavisarach (born 1966) has been the President and Group CEO of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited since 2015. He also serves on the board of several listed and non-listed companies including, vice-chairman of BCPG and Director of BBGI, and is the chairman of Thai-Europe Business Council, chairman of Innovation Institute for Industry vice chairman of the Federation of Thai industries, the executive chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Asian Institute of Technology and a Director of the International Chamber of Commerce for Thailand. He holds a Master of Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), an MBA from Thammasat University and a Bachelor of Engineering from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL).
Non-executive. Member of the people and organisation committee and member of sustainability and technical risk committee.
Mike Fischer (born 1958) has nearly 40 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry. He is currently an Executive Advisor to the Natural Resources business unit of Bangchak. Dr. Fischer has previously held senior management positions at Ophir Energy, OMV, Woodside Energy and BP. He holds a PhD from the University of Wales and a BSc from the University of Leeds.
Mike Fischer
Deputy chair of the Board
Non-executive. Member of the people and organisation committee and member of sustainability and technical risk committee.
Mike Fischer (born 1958) has nearly 40 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry. He is currently an Executive Advisor to the Natural Resources business unit of Bangchak. Dr. Fischer has previously held senior management positions at Ophir Energy, OMV, Woodside Energy and BP. He holds a PhD from the University of Wales and a BSc from the University of Leeds.
Independent, non-executive. Chair of the audit committee.
Rune Olav Pedersen (born 1970), has been appointed CEO of Geoquip Marine, effective from 1st January 2025. Previously, he has been President & CEO of PGS ASA since 2017. Mr. Pedersen has also held the position of executive vice president & general counsel at the company. Before joining PGS, he was a partner in the oil and gas department of the law firm Arntzen de Besche. He has a law degree from the University of Oslo, a post-graduate diploma in European competition law from Kings College London, and an Executive MBA from London Business School.
Rune Olav Pedersen
Board member
Independent, non-executive. Chair of the audit committee.
Rune Olav Pedersen (born 1970), has been appointed CEO of Geoquip Marine, effective from 1st January 2025. Previously, he has been President & CEO of PGS ASA since 2017. Mr. Pedersen has also held the position of executive vice president & general counsel at the company. Before joining PGS, he was a partner in the oil and gas department of the law firm Arntzen de Besche. He has a law degree from the University of Oslo, a post-graduate diploma in European competition law from Kings College London, and an Executive MBA from London Business School.
Independent, non-executive. Chair of the sustainability and technical risk committee.
Nicola Gordon (born 1957) has many years of experience from the energy industry. Ms. Gordon holds several board positions, among others as Chair of the audit committee at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and on Heriot-Watt University’s Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering’s Strategy Advisory Board. Gordon’s experience at the Royal Dutch Shell Group includes vice president for Shell International, asset manager and board director at A/S Norske Shell and managing director at Shell Denmark. She is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Energy Institute and holds an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Nicola Gordon
Board member & chair of the P&O committee
Independent, non-executive. Chair of the sustainability and technical risk committee.
Nicola Gordon (born 1957) has many years of experience from the energy industry. Ms. Gordon holds several board positions, among others as Chair of the audit committee at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and on Heriot-Watt University’s Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering’s Strategy Advisory Board. Gordon’s experience at the Royal Dutch Shell Group includes vice president for Shell International, asset manager and board director at A/S Norske Shell and managing director at Shell Denmark. She is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Energy Institute and holds an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Non-executive.
Pairoj Kaweeyanun is an experienced executive in the energy sector with leadership experience in upstream operations. He served as President of Chevron Thailand Exploration & Production, Ltd. from 2010 to 2021, following roles as Vice President and General Manager at Chevron in both Thailand and the United States. His earlier positions include Director of the Satun, Platong, and Funan fields. Pairoj holds a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Chulalongkorn University and has completed advanced leadership training through the Chevron Advanced Management Program in the USA and the Executive Program in Energy Literacy for a Sustainable Future at the Thailand Energy Academy.
Pairoj Kaweeyanun
Board member
Non-executive.
Pairoj Kaweeyanun is an experienced executive in the energy sector with leadership experience in upstream operations. He served as President of Chevron Thailand Exploration & Production, Ltd. from 2010 to 2021, following roles as Vice President and General Manager at Chevron in both Thailand and the United States. His earlier positions include Director of the Satun, Platong, and Funan fields. Pairoj holds a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Chulalongkorn University and has completed advanced leadership training through the Chevron Advanced Management Program in the USA and the Executive Program in Energy Literacy for a Sustainable Future at the Thailand Energy Academy.
Independent, non-executive.
Jon Arnt Jacobsen (born 1957) has extensive experience from the energy industry. Mr Jacobsen has 24 years of executive management experience from Equinor ASA within corporate finance, refining marketing and trading, procurement as well as internal audit and corporate security. Prior to Equinor, Mr Jacobsen worked in DnB ASA for 12 years in various management positions within corporate banking both for the oil & gas industry and Norwegian corporates. Mr Jacobsen has also been General manager for DnB´s Singapore branch. Mr Jacobsen has previous experience as board member in Mesta AS, Storebrand ASA and Statoil Fuel & Retail ASA. Mr Jacobsen has various business degrees from Norway and a MBA from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Jon Arnt Jacobsen
Board member
Independent, non-executive.
Jon Arnt Jacobsen (born 1957) has extensive experience from the energy industry. Mr Jacobsen has 24 years of executive management experience from Equinor ASA within corporate finance, refining marketing and trading, procurement as well as internal audit and corporate security. Prior to Equinor, Mr Jacobsen worked in DnB ASA for 12 years in various management positions within corporate banking both for the oil & gas industry and Norwegian corporates. Mr Jacobsen has also been General manager for DnB´s Singapore branch. Mr Jacobsen has previous experience as board member in Mesta AS, Storebrand ASA and Statoil Fuel & Retail ASA. Mr Jacobsen has various business degrees from Norway and a MBA from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Non-executive.
Phatpuree Chinkulkitnivat (born 1974) is currently a Group Chief Financial Officer at Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, a leading energy company in Thailand. She had more than 20 years experience in banking industry prior to joining Bangchak and held the position of Chief Financial Officer at BCPG Public Company Limited, a flagship in the power generation business of Bangchak Group. Phatpuree holds a Master of Business Administration (High Distinction) from the University of Michigan, USA, and a Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honors) from Chulalongkorn University.
Phatpuree Chinkulkitnivat
Board member
Non-executive.
Phatpuree Chinkulkitnivat (born 1974) is currently a Group Chief Financial Officer at Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, a leading energy company in Thailand. She had more than 20 years experience in banking industry prior to joining Bangchak and held the position of Chief Financial Officer at BCPG Public Company Limited, a flagship in the power generation business of Bangchak Group. Phatpuree holds a Master of Business Administration (High Distinction) from the University of Michigan, USA, and a Bachelor of Economics (First Class Honors) from Chulalongkorn University.
Independent, non-executive.
Liz Williamson (born 1984) is the Head of Energy for Rand Merchant Bank and is responsible for M&A transactions in the renewable and oil & gas space across Africa. She has led the growth of the bank’s international energy strategy since 2018. Originally from Texas but now based in London, Liz started her career in private equity focused on US upstream transactions. Thereafter she joined GMP Securities and Canaccord where she advised international E&P companies on capital markets and M&A. Liz holds an Honours degree from Davidson (North Carolina, USA) and a Masters in Energy Finance from the City University London, Bayes Business School.
Elizabeth (Liz) Williamson
Independent, non-executive.
Liz Williamson (born 1984) is the Head of Energy for Rand Merchant Bank and is responsible for M&A transactions in the renewable and oil & gas space across Africa. She has led the growth of the bank’s international energy strategy since 2018. Originally from Texas but now based in London, Liz started her career in private equity focused on US upstream transactions. Thereafter she joined GMP Securities and Canaccord where she advised international E&P companies on capital markets and M&A. Liz holds an Honours degree from Davidson (North Carolina, USA) and a Masters in Energy Finance from the City University London, Bayes Business School.
Employee elected.
Sverre Nes (born 1971) was employed in Hydro from 1991 to 2012. He was trained as process technician and worked there in various departments in addition to being stationed in Qatar as supervisor between 2009-2010. Sverre joined Wintershall in 2013 and currently works for Brage as Discipline Responsible for Process.
Sverre Nes
Employee-elected Board member
Employee elected.
Sverre Nes (born 1971) was employed in Hydro from 1991 to 2012. He was trained as process technician and worked there in various departments in addition to being stationed in Qatar as supervisor between 2009-2010. Sverre joined Wintershall in 2013 and currently works for Brage as Discipline Responsible for Process.
Employee elected.
Ragnhild Aas (born 1973) holds the position of VP Project & Operational Excellence in OKEA. She has worked in OKEA since 2016 and has previously also held the position of VP Operations. Prior to joining OKEA she worked in Altera for 16 years where her last position was FPSO Operations Manager. Ragnhild holds an MSc in Process Engineering from Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet (NTNU) and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Trondheim Ingeniørhøgskole.
Ragnhild Aas
Employee-elected Board member
Employee elected.
Ragnhild Aas (born 1973) holds the position of VP Project & Operational Excellence in OKEA. She has worked in OKEA since 2016 and has previously also held the position of VP Operations. Prior to joining OKEA she worked in Altera for 16 years where her last position was FPSO Operations Manager. Ragnhild holds an MSc in Process Engineering from Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet (NTNU) and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Trondheim Ingeniørhøgskole.
Employee elected.
Per Magne Bjellvåg (born 1969) holds the position of Lead Process Engineer in OKEA. He has been with OKEA since 2018 and prior to this he has worked in Norske Shell and FieldTalk Solutions. With more than 27 years of experience in the oil and gas industry he has held various positions, mainly in operations and maintenance of onshore and offshore process plants as well as underwater installations. Per Magne holds a BSc in Process Engineering from Høgskolen Stord Haugesund.
Per Magne Bjellvåg
Employee-elected Board member
Employee elected.
Per Magne Bjellvåg (born 1969) holds the position of Lead Process Engineer in OKEA. He has been with OKEA since 2018 and prior to this he has worked in Norske Shell and FieldTalk Solutions. With more than 27 years of experience in the oil and gas industry he has held various positions, mainly in operations and maintenance of onshore and offshore process plants as well as underwater installations. Per Magne holds a BSc in Process Engineering from Høgskolen Stord Haugesund.