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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Kjersti Hovdal has around 20 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.

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.