VEFF Magazine 2 2020

VEFF//20 VEFF – THE DNV GL EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION VEFF MAGAZINE 2020

We all need to have a meaningful and fun job, every day

Meet the

Meet the

Updates

COUNCIL MEMBERS OF VEFF

BOARD MEMBERS OF VEFF

HVO – COVID-19

I EDITORIAL I

Leading through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond When people are respected for their intelligence and asked to step up in support of one another, they invariably do.

CHAIR OF VEFF, NINA IVARSEN

The VEFF magazine is produced by employees in DNV GL and sponsored

by VEFF union, which is a union for DNV GL employees.

© VEFF 12-2020 Editor: Nina Ivarsen Front cover photo: ©Istock Back cover photo: ©DNV GL Design and print: Bodoni, 125875

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I CONTENTS I

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The path to recovery from COVID-19 remains unclear. The general consensus is that we face a protracted period with many restrict­ ions still in place, and that even after the initial recovery phase, business will not return “back to normal” and that will also be the challenges for DNV GL.

EDITORIAL 06 VEFF Coucil – Representantskapet 8-36 Council members - Andreas Falck - Andreas Herzog - Arnfinn Hansen - Audun Brandsæter - Christian Markussen - Edith Berthelsen Vistung - Egil Pedersen - Ellen Margrethe Pihl Konstad - Hege Halseth Bang - Hild Merethe Kjennerud - Odd Sund - Rita Skeie - Anders Djupesland - Peter Bruun - Tor Jo Landheim - Torild R. Nissen-Lie - Richard Tao - Kristin Dalhaug - Jørgen Nodeland - Tine Cederblad - Per Wiggo Richardsen - Inger Unn Ramde - Sven Christian Himberg - Nina Caspersen - Henrik Lund Nielsen - Marianne Myrvold-Sijtsma - Eva Bakke - Terese Solheim - Eirik Edland Pedersen - Arvind Phatak

The pandemic will leave permanent marks – not just a deep global recession from which it will take some time to recover, but also huge disruption to many industries and markets that will both pose severe challenges and new opportunities.

From day one of the looming crisis, VEFFs Chair Nina Ivarsen and Deputy Chair Lin B. Karsten, started a dialogue with management and the Country Chair, through a series of virtual meetings, online negotiations. During these meetings, all parties gave their anecdotes looking back and shared intuitions looking forward.

There was a shared view that, looking ahead, business resilience management approaches would need to be more dynamic and smarter at “sensing and responding”.

As VEFF came to terms with the radical disruption that had fractured economies locally and worldwide, the first need was to simply understand what was happening day-to-day.

As the crisis gathered momentum, VEFF had to focus first on employee and customer safety, at any cost. Their attentions could then turn to operational stability and cash management.

All of us were aware of the importance of acting fast and decisively, assuming the worst in the absence of full information, and avoiding stepwise, partial solutions. VEFF Board talked about the criticality of increased delegation to enable faster decision-making, the need to spend nearly all of our time communicating (especially with members), and the importance of engaging with members of VEFF, Country Chair, Legal departments, Management, the government, other unions and the community.

37-41 Board members - Ivar Magnus Næsset - Marit Kvale Thom - Martin Høegh - Lin Beate Karsten - Nina Ivarsen

These are many lessons the global coronavirus pandemic is teaching us. On the one hand, it is a simple reminder to treat ­people with respect and dignity. When people are respected for their intelligence and asked to step up in support of one another, they invariably do.

© iStock

42 Covid-19

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I EDITORIAL I

Some business areas were keen to ‘cut hard, cut fast’. They sought to quickly take measures to ‘right size’ their organizat­ ions and defend against the challenges they forecasted would emerge as the pandemic deepened. (Let us call this approach ‘better safe than sorry.’) This approach is not valuable because it provides uncertainty and not clarity. We value decisiveness and action that was taken in March and April and was rolled back in September, October. It fits with our sense of democratic leader­ ship, in which people are charged with the responsibility of making good decisions.

“Evidence must complement the wisdom of experience”.

RESILIENCE Significant colleagues were asked to be a part of several COVID19 teams. Organizational resilience was reviewed and revisited to take care of all the people that had to work from home. This can be exhausting—and indeed was for many of our employees. Interestingly, those that were able to navigate emergent approaches more successfully tended either to be small, entrepreneurial organizations (where uncertainty is already a norm) or large, process-driven enterprises (where individuals’ capacity is freed up by organizational systems) like DNV GL. Another point of struggle was the debate about where to set each organization’s ceiling of accountability. Should leaders look after their business priorities? Their staff and their families?

Their communities more broadly? This most often came down to a debate over values—a debate many leaders are willing to undertake.

The coronavirus crises have stretched and put those dimensions to the test. Leaders must protect the health of their people, maintain moral and business momentum, navigate demand shocks, and adjust strategy. And they have had to do it all remotely – knowing very well, that industry volatility is highest in crises.

“We each have an obligation to look at our shared problems”.

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VIEWS ON THE FUTURE At the height of the crisis, strategic vision and “readiness for the new world” were at the very bottom of VEFFs’ lists of concerns.

However, we know that now, as some countries are already taking cautious steps towards lifting lockdown restrictions, shaping up for the post-crisis future has moved to the top of the agenda.

There are some shared hopes and agreements on uncertainties across our business about what the post COVID-19 world could look like. For example: Governments will be much more involved in industry. This will especially be the case in critical infrastructure sectors such as utilities, travel, and healthcare. More government involvement will mean increased regulation, the question is how this will affect DNV GL? The relocalization of global supply chains is expected by many and will counter the previously unstoppable march of globalization.

States and large companies will seek to gain more technological sovereignty, reducing dependence on others and improving the resilience of their operations to global shocks.

Digital technologies are expected to see a major acceleration in adoption, especially those which enable business activity with less human contact, including e-commerce, virtual networking and robotization.

However, there are big uncertainties about how these trends will progress. For example, how willing will individuals be to accept a world with much less physical interaction? How prepared will people be to give up their rights to data privacy to enable further digitalization?

Then there are great unknowns surrounding how climate change will affect policies and behaviors, and the sustainability of local communities and wider geopolitical issues.

For some industries, especially those involved in infrastructure in the broadest sense, the crisis is a driver for growth. For many industries, of course, the future will be extremely challenging.

However, even for these hard-hit industries there are ultimately new opportunities.

I EDITORIAL I

“Purpose motivates a lot of people.

Especially when you can articulate that what you are doing is more than just making money”.

THE SIGNAL THAT MATTER MOST All of us have been forced to find new signals to understand the business, markets, and overall economy during the pandemic.

With quarterly metrics are now all but meaningless in the chaotic early days, now we all must look to high-frequency data of signs of employee health, business activity, and future trends. We’re seeing five years of change in five weeks, and that velocity is going to continue. We do not currently have forecasting capability to predict consumer changes across business areas. We must get used to short-term targets.

© iStock

• Oil & Gas may undergo major structural changes, which will provide new opportunities for valuechain players in, for example, “asset-light” and “as-a-service” business models.

• For energy, the disruptive effect on market volumes could impact key strategic decisions, such as timing for electrification, digitalization, and new business models.

• For the chemical sector the disruption could drive companies to seize the potential of technology and industry convergence, applying new business models supported by digital technologies.

• In consumer goods, there will be opportunities for new brands, categories and even services to raise their relevance and establish their footing as consumers change their behaviors.

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©istock

I COUNCIL I

VEFF COUNCIL – Representantskapet The Council is VEFF’s supreme body. The Council is assigned to draw up the main guidelines for the trade union’s operations. It shall discuss and approve the Central Board’s annual report and accounts, as well as the budgets and action plans submitted by the Central Board. The Council itself decides which matters the board shall deal with and can delegate authority and responsibility within each individual area. The Council shall determine instructions for the Central Board.

Text: Nina Ivarsen

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I COUNCIL I

Tasks The Central Board defines frameworks and provides guidelines for the day-to-day management of the trade union at a central level.

The Central Board prepares issues for the Council, ­implements decisions made by the Council and itself makes decisions within the frameworks defined by the Council.

The Central Board may delegate the authority to make ­decisions to a committee or the chair, both in individual cases and for special, described areas.

A member of the Council who is elected to the Central Board is to be given a leave of absence from the Council and his/her deputy representative is to be summoned to take over.

The Council shall elect members of the Central Board and the trade union’s standing committees and nominate VEFF’s candidates for the election of employee representatives to DNV GL’s governing bodies at group level.

Composition The Council has 29 members and as many alternate members as necessary to create a quorate Council that is elected in accordance with §14. Det Council elects’ members to three committee, The Control Committee, The Nomination ­Committee and The Regulations Committee.

The Council meetings The Council shall hold at least one meeting each year, ­normally in February/March. In addition, the Central Board is to give notice of extraordinary meetings: • pursuant to its own decision • if at least one-third of the Council members so demand Each representative has one vote and the Council is quorate when more than half of the representatives are present.

Authorizations to vote may not be granted, i.e., representatives must be present in order to vote.

The meetings are to be carried out in accordance with the Council’s Rules of Procedure.

THE CENTRAL BOARD Composition The Central Board consists of a Chair, Deputy Chair and an additional at least three members. Local areas that are not ­represented are to be looked after by one Central Board ­member, such as the Chair of the Central Board.

THE NOMINATION COMMITTEE The Nomination Committee consists of 3 members. The ­Committee constitutes itself.

The Nomination Committee shall nominate candidates for all the Council’s elections.

The Committee is also to propose the nomination of candi­ dates for election to DNV GL’s governing bodies at Group level, the DNV Council, the DNV GL Board of Directors, the Pension Fund and other bodies to which employees are to elect representatives directly at a central level.

THE REGULATIONS COMMITTEE This committee consists of five members. The Committee ­constitutes itself. At least two of the Committee’s members have a duty to attend the Council’s meetings. The Regulations Committee functions until the minutes of the meeting where a new Committee has been elected are approved.

The Regulations Committee shall ensure that all the representatives at the Council meeting have been elected in accordance with the Rule Book and election rules and shall propose the approval of representatives to the Council.

The Committee shall itself take the initiatives it finds necessary for assessing the Rule Book and regulations, and shall if necessary, submit proposals to amend these.

A proposal to amend the Rule Book made by other parties should be submitted to the Regulations Committee for a statement of its views before being dealt with by the Council.

The Committee is the appeals body in the case of elections carried out in accordance with the election rules.

THE CONTROL COMMITTEE The Control Committee consists of three members. The ­Committee constitutes itself. At least one of the members must attend the Council’s meetings. One of the members of the Control Committee must be skilled in accounts.

The Control Committee shall ensure that the Central Board complies with the trade union’s Rule Book and the orders issued by the Council. The Committee is responsible for auditing the trade union’s accounts.

The Committee shall each year submit to the Council for its approval an audit report and a report on the Central Board’s activities in relation to the Rule Book and orders.

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I VEFF COUNCIL I

Andreas Falck Risk Management advisory – Oil and Gas Deputy DNV GL Board member If I have learned one thing, and that is that things will change, and it is better to be active influencing the process than being passive with no influence at all.

I was born in Oslo but now I live in Bærum. I am Married to Kari and we have two children named Katrine and Nikolai who have just moved out for studies and military service.

I have worked with HSE risk management within DNV GL for more than 30 years, mainly within Oil and Gas. I have an MSc within thermodynamics and have completed the DNV GL training program Top Tech at the University of Berkeley. I have experience as Risk Fellow in DNV GL from 2010 to 2011 and as program manager for the Technology Leadership initiative related to Risk Reliability and Human Factors during 2012-2016. I have an Associate Professor II position within Risk Analysis at the University of Stavanger.

I have been active in VEFF most of my time in the company and have had different roles. Currently I am, in addition to be part of the VEFF Representantskap, deputy for Nina at the DNV GL Board of Directors. Professionally, my current main focus is quality assurance of customer projects in addition to service and technology development within the area of Risk Management. Bringing new knowledge into our services ­combined with innovation and revitalization is challenging and fun.

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When I am not working, I like playing the trumpet. I started playing trumpet in the school band 45 years ago and have been able to continue during all these years. Currently I am part of a big band where we play a range of different music styles. I also like sailing and our family have our own sailing boat. It is at sea I am really able to relax and recover. My greatest sailing experience was in 2011 when I crossed the Atlantic Ocean as a crew member on a sailing yacht.

During all my years in DNV GL I have worked as a consultant adapting to continuously changing external conditions and markets. If I have learned one thing, and that is that things will change, and it is better to be active influencing the process than being passive with no influence at all.

A key focus area for a knowledge driven company is how to gain, retain and share knowledge. I think we as a company are at our best when we combine knowledge and experience from different areas and businesses. The degree of business success is directly linked to whether the employee feel capable, are motivated, have the skills, systems and possibilities for cooperation & innovation. This is how we gain both ­professional and personal development.

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Andreas Herzog Principal Consultant Process Development, Project & Change Management – Salary negotian team The main “tool” is digitalization combined with a big portion of change management. We all need to have a meaningful and fun job, every day.

I was born in Oslo, Norway in 1972. My second home country is Switzerland (ref. my second name). I am married and have two kids, 12 and 14 years old.

I started my engineering studies in Zürich, Switzerland focusing on Environmental technic. I continued my studies in Trondheim, Norway, and graduated with a master’s degree in Mechanical engineering in 2000.

I have been working in different sectors and disciplines. To continuously improve the landscape between people, technology and processes have motivated me the most. In my first job I worked as a Management consultant implementing ERP systems for different manufacturing companies. The main goal was to improve performance and quality through digitalizat­ ion. In my second job I worked as a Business Line Manager for a company producing and selling construction equipment.

Again, my responsibility was to ensure sustainable profitability by improving the collaboration between people, technology and processes. I started in DNV GL in 2008.

My favorite hobby is playing golf, and it is the only thing that will get me out of bed at 06:00 on a Sunday morning. I am the

chair of the VBIL Golf group at Høvik, where I am trying to ensure we have the best golf offer for all levels of golfers. You should try it! If I am not golfing, I am probably skiing.

In my position in DNV GL, I am doing more or less the same as I have been doing in my previous jobs. I am trying to enhance the quality, performance and customer satisfaction of DNV GL processes. The main “tool” is digitalization combined with a big portion of change management.

I have worked in DNV GL for 12 years and I find it a unique and fantastic place to work. I find myself very fortunate as I get to work with different people in every corner and levels of the company. DNV GL has also given me the opportunity to travel and work with people in different countries around the world.

My key learning is that our processes (way of working) might be different around the world, but the people and their needs are more or less the same. We all need to have a meaningful and fun job, every day.

Enhancing efficiency through digitalization is definitely a very important tool to ensure a sustainable operation of DNV GL in the years to come. But I believe we also need to continue to meet and talk to each other, as the human interaction is key in building a company culture where we all enjoy working together. The Covid situation is challenging this, so I hope I get to meet you very soon.

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I VEFF COUNCIL I

Arnfinn Hansen Principal Engineer I am looking forward to continue working with all my colleagues in the various parts of the organization because this is to me a very important part of life combined with being a proud Grandfather to 2 nice girls!

I was born and grew up in Oslo. I have been married to my wife Nina the last 40 years and we have two sons. Further I am grandfather to 2 wonderful girls, who soon turn 4 and 8 years.

My formal background is Naval Architecture, but I have spent my whole career “under water”, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and instrumentation.

I started out in the section for Underwater Inspection in 1979 and with NDT as an important part of this. Automated NDT and development of instrumentation for monitoring of offshore structures became the main content towards the end of my first period in DNV, which lasted for 11 years.

The next 15 years I spent in company that was based on NDT and instrumentation. Training of NDT operators and development of ROV operated NDT tools and autonomous structural instrumentation was the main fields of work. After 15 years of technical developments and training, I felt very lucky when I was asked to join DNV again, this time to work with diving systems.

I have always been active with sports like cycling, skiing, ice hockey and handball but nowadays this is down to cycling to work, walking with my wife and skiing, together with maintenance of house and 2 cottages and not to forget, being a Grandfather! These things help me to disconnect from work when I leave the office every day.

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My daily work is mostly related to diving systems, ranging from approval to maintenance of the Rules and training of Surveyors. As I am the only Certified NDT operator here at DNV GL Maritime at Høvik, I am also very often involved in NDT related issues.

In the 2 periods I have been working in DNV/DNV GL, I have always been engaged in VEFF. By participating in the work to follow up and ultimately improve our working environment and conditions I also meet many colleagues from other parts of the organization, and this is something I really appreciate! In addition, I have had the opportunity to be elected to take part in the VEFF Representantskap and an elected member in the Steering Committee of the Defined Contribution Pension Scheme.

For me, it has always been important to share knowledge and experience with colleagues and this has almost become an obsession for me as I am approaching retirement in a few years. One thing is having a solid basis on the theoretical side of things and then having had the opportunity to translate this into practical working solutions, have to me been the greatest award one can ever dream of!

I am looking forward to continue working with all my ­colleagues in the various parts of the organization because this is to me a very important part of life combined with being a proud Grandfather to 2 nice girls!

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Audun Brandsæter Senior Principal Engineer in DNV GL Oil & Gas, Risk Management Advisory / Safety All employees shall be treated with respect, we all contribute to fulfill DNV GL’s purpose.

Married to Ingunn in June 1982. Moved to Vøyenenga in 1983, where we still live. Five children and two foster kids, ranging from 36 to 20 years old. All with nice spouses. Six, soon seven, grandchildren from 0 to six years old.

Graduated as Master of Mechanical Engineering from NTH (now NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology) December 1981, joined DNV January 1982.

For four years I worked with drilling related systems and equipment, before I left DNV to work for two other companies for a while. Returned to DNV in September 1989 and have been here since. I’ve been employed in most areas, though primarily worked towards the oil and gas industry most of the time. I’ve been group leader/team leader and Head of Section, but most of the time I’ve not had any line manager responsibility. And almost all of the time, my work has been related to risk analysis, risk assessment and risk management.

With a “core family” soon counting 23, I don’t really need any other hobby. We spend a lot of time with our grandchildren and love it. With soon two sons, two daughters in law and five grandchildren at Sandane and in Volda, in the north western part of Norway, we regularly drive through the mountains.

Approximately once a month we spend long weekend together with them.

In wintertime, I like to go skiing – cross country and randonée-­ski tours. Ingunn and I both love to be at the ­seaside. And from next year, we will spend most of our spare time in our newly acquired house in Kristiansand, where we will have room to accommodate all family members not already living in the Kristiansand area.

In addition to my job, I’ve been engaged as safety representative and in VEFF for a couple of decades. From 2002 to 2009 I had the exciting and challenging pleasure of serving as employee elected member of DNV’s Board of Directors.

When people ask me if DNV GL is a good place to work, I simply use to answer that I would be an absolute fool to have been here for more than 35 years, if I didn’t mean it was good.

All employees shall be treated with respect, we all contribute to fulfill DNV GL’s purpose. For me it’s meaningful to contribute to the wellbeing of all of us through the duty as safety representative. It’s also exciting to be member of VEFF’s Council and the Regulations Committee, having the opportunity to participate in and influence the shaping of VEFF’s and thereby the employees and DNV GL’s future.

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I VEFF XX I COUNCIL I

Christian Markussen Senior Principal Engineer – Subsea - Salary negotiation member I think the most rewarding projects are those that are challenging and require multi-disciplinary teams to solve the problem. I think that is when we are at our best and leave the competition behind.

I was born in Trondheim, Norway but have lived 15 years abroad (USA, UK, Sweden, Denmark). I am married to Maren and we have two children, Jonas (15) and Vilde (11).

I am a Mechanical Engineer, with a master from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology from 1995. During my career in DNV GL I have had a chance to work in many different areas. I worked with finite element analysis and then moved over to risk and reliability. I established the Technology ­Qualification group in Houston and served as the Service Director for Technology Qualification. I have also held the position Head of Section for Subsea Technology as well as Business Manager. I was seconded to Norsk Hydro for one year as the HSE and technical safety responsible for the Vega field development. Lately, I have been working on developing our RP and services for qualifying and assuring Digital Twins.

Raising two kids with their activities takes a lot of my time but aside from that sailing is main hobby as well as building and

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flying RC drones, helicopters and planes. I love tinkering and flying and the skills I have learned through it has proven useful in several projects so that is a bonus.

Earlier, I had line management, sales and business development responsibilities for many years. Currently I am working more in a technical and advisory capacity and with service development towards digitalization and digital twins.

I have worked in DNV GL for 25 years and have really enjoyed my career here. I have really appreciated the opportunities to learn through exciting projects and work in different roles, disciplines and geographic locations. And of course, with very competent and experienced colleagues who will go out of their way to share their knowledge. I think the most rewarding projects are those that are challenging and require multi-disciplinary teams to solve the problem. I think that is when we are at our best and leave the competition behind.

Working with VEFF; I have always been occupied with representing the employees and striking a balance between the ­ DNV GLs needs and the needs of the individual employees.

I look forward to being part of VEFFs salary negotiation team and fight for a fair salary for all our members.

I VEFF COUNCIL I

Edith Berthelsen Vistung Principal engineer, Class Development Maritime I really appreciate the culture of working together to achieve the best results. In all the units I have been working, there is a low degree of competitiveness between colleagues, and people are always willing to share knowledge with others.

I have worked almost my entire career in DNV GL Høvik – 27 years – since I graduated from NTNU as a Naval Architect. I am married with two grown-up children, still living at home, together with the house master, an 18-year-old cat.

I first joined DNV as an in-hire in ERS. My competence field is ship’s stability, which I worked with for 17 years as an approval engineer. In addition to approval, it also included rule development and being an advisor for NMA in IMO. I then joined the ship PMA unit when it was established in 2010; exiting times outlining this new role whilst managing ten-folds of projects. In 2015, Class development called for internal business resources for the Great class newbuilding program, to develop and modernize production tools and work processes for ­Maritime, where I am still working.

I love creativity and I have constantly new ideas for the house and garden, so refurbishing, gardening and knitting are some

favorite activities. Our families have two cabins, one in the mountains and one by the sea, which we use as much as we can. I am also a singer in Bærumkoret, creating music together with others is just an incredible experience.

In my current position, I work partly as a business resource in the program, and partly with implementation. I contribute in deciding the solutions and user experience of the tools, the work process to be followed and take part in testing before release. Further, implementation towards the users, to ensure it is taken into use in a correct way, and to motivate for change. Since March 2020, I am also the chair of Veritas ­Kunstforening.

I have never felt the urge to leave DNV GL. There are so many possibilities and opportunities, and so many great people to work with. I really appreciate the culture of working together to achieve the best results. In all the units I have been working, there is a low degree of competitiveness between colleagues, and people are always willing to share knowledge with others.

Combined with sense of humor and care, and a decent lifework work balance, I feel at home with this company.

Working towards a common target of making DNV GL the best place to work AND a competitive company is very inspiring. The company is nothing without the people, at the same time the people would not be here without the company.

In a changing world, we need to be leading on taking new technology into use and have the smart solutions out in the market before our competitors, and each one of us need to be ­forward-leaning and embrace this opportunity.

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Egil Pedersen Principal Software Engineer, Maritime Ship Classification, Digital Development I strive to improve other people’s work processes through developing good software solutions.

I was born in Oslo and now live at Hosle in Bærum. I have been married to Anne Margrete Stray for 43 years and we have two daughters and three grandchildren. We lived one year in Toronto, Canada.

I have a master’s degree in informatics from the University of Oslo. I have worked with software development for more than 40 years and still find it fun, challenging and enjoyable.

I have developed business critical software applications for ­governmental and private businesses, both as a consultant and as an in-house developer. My competence is mainly within.

NET, databases, document management and security.

My hobbies are singing in a choir, photography and genealogy.

I consider myself as a handyman and enjoy spending time in the garden. I love being with my family and friends at our

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summer house in Farsund where we have a boat and several kayaks.

I work now with software development for Maritime Ship Classification. I have worked at DNV GL for 9 years as a consultant and 16 years as an employee within the business areas Business Assurance, GSS (IT Solutions) and Maritime. I enjoy working with skilled colleagues and learning new things every day.

Therefore, I continue to work even after normal retirement age. I also appreciate the high ethical principles which are reflected in the company’s vision and goals.

I strive to improve other people’s work processes through developing good software solutions.

I have had a long and interesting career and have seen enormous changes in the tools and techniques over the years. Digitalization is more important than ever. I look forward to still being part of DNV GL and VEFF in these changing times.

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Ellen Margrethe Pihl Konstad Chairperson of VEFFs representantskap, member of valgkomiteen and appointed Main safety delegate HVO I always said that the big advantage of working in a big company, is that you may change what you do without leaving great colleagues.

I’m born and raised in Oslo – and never left. I’m married to Ole Alexander and we have twin daughters, Elisabeth and Ragnhild, age 13.

My formal background is as an Archivist from the University of Oslo, with educational science and history as subsidiary topics.

I am a scout. I have been a scout since the age of 7. Through scouting I was part of establishing Norway’s 13th largest city in 2019 when we had our National Jamboree in Bodø. Scouting is about solving challenges together, often outdoors. Seeing young people take responsibility and solve challenges together is why I continue.

My current role in DNV GL is being Main safety delegate for Norway. In my 21 years in DNV GL, I have had several very different positions. I was hired in as an archivist at the Maritime archive. From there I went to working with records manage-

ment topics in “Process Development”. I also spent some years in IT as the corporate records manager for DNV. I was part of the team migrating all the LGL vessels to NPS. In 2017 I was asked to take on the role as Main safety delegate, which has been my primary task since.

I am passionate about “the Norwegian model”: That the employees, the employer and the government work together to find the good solutions on how to create the best possible place to work and live. On a local level, that we as employees work through the unions together with both management, and as active members of the board and the council, to make DNV GL a great place to work.

I always said that the big advantage of working in a big company, is that you may change what you do without leaving great colleagues.

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Hege Halseth Bang Senior Principal Engineer and Project Manager, Offshore Structures Eurasia Oil & Gas

I work as Project Manager in the Eurasia Oil & Gas team, focusing on projects for offshore structures.

All levels in DNV GL must conduct business according to our vision and values; integrity and independence is our asset.

I joined DNV GL in January 1996 after graduation from university. I immediately got involved in exciting projects and met knowledgeable and sharing colleagues; and since then, I have been fortunate to have knowledgeable and sharing colleagues in all sections I have worked in.

I have spent my child years in Bodø, university years in Trondheim and my adult years in Oslo. I am a structural engineer by profession, and above average fascinated by bridges and space technology.

Shortly after I joined DNV I was “hijacked” to join the football team in VBIL. Later I have been active in several groups in the sports club and spent some time in the VBIL board also as chairman.

My background from university is structural engineering, and my professional experience is within that topic in the oil and gas industry. My experience is with offshore components, testing in the laboratory and with capacity assessments of fixed offshore structures.

Project involvements the recent years span from verification of new build structures to technical advisory services for lifetime extensions, including asset integrity management. I have long experience in heading large project teams. I also have experience in line management.

3-4 years after joining DNV, I was requested to become a VEFF local employee representative. I became curious to learn more and got involved. Since then I have held several positions of trust through VEFF; today I am a member of Reprensentantskapet and am also employee elected member of the DNV Council and DNV GL Pension Funds.

Being involved in the VBIL and VEFF have given me good friends and valuable contacts for my professional work.

Through my career I have said yes to most of the possibilities that have come my way. I have focused on doing my best and sought advice and assistance from my colleagues when needed.

When not being in the office I enjoy outdoor activities.

In the daily life, it involves running. In the weekends I prefer spending time in the mountains; summer and fall hiking, while in the winter it is skiing (alpine and randonee).

Spending time outdoors is a good way to “empty” the head and gives me confidence in tackling the matters that everyday life brings.

I must admit that I also spend time in the couch reading books and watching TV.

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Diversity and equal opportunities in DNV GL, and society at large. All levels in DNV GL must conduct business according to our vision and values; integrity and independence is our asset.

We are all looking forward to resume to our daily life and business post-Covid19. Meanwhile – please, stay patient and strong.

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Hild Merethe Kjennerud Cost Controller I like working with people who are passionate and engaged.

I have been employed by DNV GL, Oil & Gas, for 13 years and during these years I have worked with project finance.

I think it is very fun with new systems and are therefore superuser in Oracle and Teamcenter, is also Teamcenter Financial SME for Oil & Gas Region Norway. I have been so lucky that I have been able to travel to some of the other DNV GL offices to assist with the transition to Oracle as a course leader and “Both on the Ground”. Very fun to meet colleagues from other countries and to see how they handle contracts and ­projects.

I think I am lucky to be able to support such professionally skilled colleagues as I have in Offshore Structures (section) and Marine Structures (Department).

Of additional tasks, I have the role as fire guard and safety representative in Z1 at Høvik, union representative in VEFF and a board member in Veritas Kunstforening. I like working with people who are passionate and engaged.

At home I am part of a modern family with 4 children, of which only one is still living at home waiting to be able to join the military. The other 3 are well established and we are probably just waiting for grandchildren.

I have now completed the basic courses as a union representative and am ready for more tasks in VEFF.

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Odd Sund Principal Engineer Whatever challenge you meet you cannot solve yourself you will almost always find a helpful top expert college within DNV GL for the subject.

Born in Trøndelag, grew up Bærum and live at Nesodden, a peninsula south of Oslo. I am married to Kristin, who also works in DNV GL. I have two children, Peter and Kaia and one grandchild Alexandra.

After graduating from Oslo Ingeniørhøyskole, machine/composite, I joined DNV, Laboratory in Forskningsdivisjonen in January 1981. I Have worked mainly with qualification of new technology, new materials or new utilization of materials and development of products. Working with destructive mechanical testing can be both exciting and fun.

I also joined VEFF early in my career, and after participating in local VEFF boards and being a member of Sentralstyret, I ended up as leader of VEFF in the period 1993-1997. In this period and for many of the later salary and collective agreement negotiations, I had the pleasure of being the leader of the negotiations. This also gave the experience of sitting at the table with Riksmeklingsmannen.

I was elected as employee representative to the DNV Council and I was a member there for 9 years. Most interesting, and where I probably learned the most, was from the employment of Helge Midttun as CEO and the motion for vote of “no confidence” from us, the employee representatives, to the Chairman of Board of Directors. He changed the governance as a direct follow up of this, and was as such a positive outcome and experience.

I was elected as employee representative to the Board of Directors for DNV and DNV GL for 7 years. This was an expanding period for DNV, with the acquisition of Kema, the unsuccessful merger with Intertek and the merger with GL. Outdoor activities suit me well. I cannot sit still and must do something most of the time. Fishing crabs at the summer house at Sotra or fixing or making something. But maybe best

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Just want to repeat what Harald Eia is stating, if you are not already a member then; “Meld deg inn i fagforeningen” and that is of course VEFF/Parat.

of all if I can walk to a small river somewhere at Finnmarksvidda to practise the noble art of fly fishing. Cooking is also one of my favourite activities.

Today my role in DNV GL is primarily as composite expert.

Otherwise giving some of my experience from designing test set ups to my younger talented colleges is a pleasant role.

I have worked all my career in DNV/DNV GL and I have not really regretted one single day. Working in depth with subjects you have special interest for, getting involved in many companies’ R&D work makes your working day interesting and fun. Whatever challenge you meet you cannot solve yourself you will almost always find a helpful top expert college within DNV GL for the subject.

I was today shocked by the news that IFE (Institutt for Energiteknikk) for many years produced false research results.

This as a result of fear in the organization. We should never experience this, and then we need to build trust in all we do.

In Norway we succeed as a result of the industrial democracy and the balance of the empowered employees and the employer. This balance is constantly challenged and need to be defended.

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Rita Skeie

Anders Djupesland

Head of Section CRM

Senior Principal Surveyor Fleet in Service

Love to be outside summer and winter.

I am now on my way out of the company with a senior package and I want to emphasize that DNV GL has been a fantastic workplace, both professionally and collegially.

I am 46 years old, working in DNV GL in my 22nd year.

All years in IT, now Head of section CRM. I have 2 children, boy 26 years and a girl 7 years.

Love to be outside summer and winter.

Served as VEFF representative for several years.

I also work to ensure handover to operation is done according to requirement. Part of the Auditor App Project team responsible for the Roll Out of Auditor AppGSS IT Release Manager Responsible to to ensure changes to Applications in Production follows the Release Process defined in GSS IT.

I have worked for the company close to 40 years. I started as a shift worker in the early 80’s for a period of about 1 year at the Høvik Office. After this, there was fieldwork with the main emphasis on ships and mobile offshore units (MOU).

(MOU in service) gradually became the main activity for me with many years where I more or less traveled to the ships ­sailing. I also worked on the yards with class renewal.

Has also served as PM for MOU newbuilding’s. I am now on my way out of the company with a senior package and I want to emphasize that DNV GL has been a fantastic workplace, both professionally and collegially.

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Peter Bruun Principal Surveyor, Technical Service Manager Leader of VEFF Denmark and member of EWC – European Works Council and member of the EWC working committee.

I will continue the pursue to achieve a good and balanced cooperation with the management in the continued discussions on making DNV GL an attractive place to work for everybody, both as leader of VEFF in DK, member of the EWC and last but not least as a member of VEFF representantskapet.

I was born in Denmark and is married to Jane for now 37 years, with many more to come. Together we have 3 children and 5 Grandchildren. I am educated as a mechanical engineer with Thermodynamics as major. I am 65 years old.

I have been working in mainly 3 industries, beginning with Energy production and distribution with numerous technologies, both black and green power generation as project engineer, project manager, section manager and department manager. The second industry was Railways, where I both worked in the Danish Railway Agency as Operations manager of the whole Danish railway infrastructure, and later in the Copenhagen metro as Technical manager and Betreibsleiter. My third industry is the maritime, where I have been working, and still do, as a surveyor, auditor, independent safety auditor and TSM. My competences are wide ranging due to a long working

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life and I use this daily in my present job. Having a house, a summer house and a pile of children and grandchildren, there is not time for much more, but what I have makes me content and happy.

I am a Principal Surveyor FIS and CMC, an auditor of ISM/ ISPS and a TSM. I am also elected by my colleagues as their representative in the Copenhagen office, and by my fellow representatives as leader of VEFF in Denmark.

I have been in DNV, later DNV GL, since February 2007, almost 14 years. I have enjoyed working in the company, I am also proud of it. But we are in a change process, that started with the merger, and now is continued by the digital transformation, so it is hard to recognize the working environment back from when I started with the company.

I am very focused on the working environment both physical and mental, and that management and employees can cooperate on this topic in a decent and ethical way. I believe in the democratic model but respect the managerial right to lead and distribute the work we are doing. There are challenges in this, but until now it has been handled in a good and cooperative spirit.

I will continue the pursue to achieve a good and balanced cooperation with the management in the continued discussions on making DNV GL an attractive place to work for everybody, both as leader of VEFF in DK, member of the EWC and last but not least as a member of VEFF representantskapet.

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Tor Jo Landheim Laboratory Manager Get involved, it gives so much in return!

Born and raised on Dovre in Gudbrandsdalen, 47 years old, cohabitant with two children aged 7 and 9 years. I live at Høvik in Bærum.

entered new roles. This has meant that I have constantly been given new challenges and developed both as a professional and a leader.

What kind of professional competence and work experience do you have?

Educated as a mechanical engineer from NTNU, first worked for 5 years at Norsk Hydro as a process engineer and soon for 20 years at DNV GL in many different roles in maritime, IT and oil and gas.

Important issues you are passionate about VEFF and the other unions have a very important role as a counterpart in negotiations with all levels in DNV GL, which is especially evident in difficult times. It is incredibly important that we get involved in the union, to promote it and encourage colleagues to be organized.

What do you do when you are not at work?

Some time is spent on activities as a leader in the scout and music corps. At home, I love doing everything from beer brewing to 3D printing.

Get involved, it gives so much in return!

Your role in DNV GL I am the group leader for “Laboratories & Testing - Oslo” which means that I am responsible for the damage and materials laboratories as well as the NDT resources in oil and gas at Høvik.

DNV GL and what it is like to work here In the almost 20 years I have been in DNV GL, the most important thing for me personally is all the opportunities I have been given and the trust I have gained when I have

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Torild R. Nissen-Lie Group Leader Environmental Risk and Preparedness, within the Environmental Risk Management Section in Region Norway, O&G. I enjoy working with all the fantastic colleagues in DNV GL – and particularly on projects where we are able to pull together multidisciplinary teams from several BAs solving complex challenges for our customers.

Marine biologist by background and more than 20 years’ working experience related to environmental performance and technology advisory in O&G. Currently focusing on supporting our customers in the energy transition with advisory related to climate risk, low carbon solutions and sustainability.

I enjoy working with all the fantastic colleagues in DNV GL – and particularly on projects where we are able to pull together multidisciplinary teams from several BAs solving complex ­challenges for our customers.

Off work, I like to spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy active vacations in the mountains or at sea or working on projects in my garden. Last year I started with ski mountaineering/Randonnée. That’s a discipline which has a great combination of physical activity, greats views and down-hill fun!

I’m passionate about development and innovation. A successful business must always be able to transform and change in a pace that is higher than that of its customers and competitors.

GTR is an important mechanism for research and development in DNV GL. But it is equally important that innovation

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takes place in the business areas close to the customers. To be able to test out new ideas and develop new solutions, it is important with a supportive leadership, collaborative working environment and room for investments. Let’s work together to have this in place!

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Richard Tao Discipline Leader - Technical Operation I like my work in such an international company with so many different business areas and competent colleagues. This gives me energy to work on something which I really care about: safety and environment.

I was born in China but have lived in Norway for 15 years.

Married to Lina and have one girl named Amanda. I am educated as an engineer and currently working as senior principle consultant in DNV GL Maritime advisory.

After working 25 years in DNV GL, I have gained extensive experience in maritime and offshore assets life cycle management, including concept development, construction, operation and decommissioning.

Being a consultant in Maritime advisory, I am specialized in risk assessment and technical due diligence for maritime, oil and gas, offshore and subsea assets. I provide technical advisory in Maritime Lifecycle management including concept development, specification review, maintenance and inspection, ship operation in complex environment, vessel lay-up, preservation and recommissioning. Vessel (ships and MOU) compliance management covering vetting and other related service.

My role in DNV GL is to support our clients to tackle challenges the industries are facing and build a competitive business. I enjoy working together with competent people in DNV GL to find smart solutions and to solve complicated challenges.

I have worked in DNV GL for 25 years with 10 years in China and 15 years in Norway. I like my work in such an international company with so many different business areas and competent colleagues. This gives me energy to work on something which I really care about: safety and environment.

For me continuous improvement is a very important perspective. The world is changing and created many challenges and uncertainties. It is important for us to continuously develop ourselves so that we can stay ahead and be a trusted voice to tackle such transformation.

Work and play hard and enjoy every day!

I love outdoor activities. In summer, hiking and golf are my favorites and in winter, skiing in forest can cheer me up. I love the feeling of freely breathing the fresh air and enjoying the view of mountains, fjords and forest. That is probably the reason for me, a Chinese, to live in Norway for so long time.

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Kristin Dalhaug Principal Consultant Digitalization is requiring that we tear down geographical and business boundaries, this will affect the way we operate in DNV GL, the business model itself is challenged, this is important that VEFF discuss and understand.

I am from Bergen and I have lived in the Oslo area since 1986.

I live at Nesodden, a peninsula south of Oslo. I am married to Odd, who also works in DNV GL. I have two children, Erlend (30) and Kaia (18) Like so many things in life; joining DNV in 1993 was pure coincidence, but it seems today, that it was more part of a plan.

I graduated as a librarian in 1989 and had finished an extens­ ion year, specializing in document and information management within oil and gas, when I was offered a job in the Head office archives in Ship Classification in DNV. I have had several positions, both line manager, project and program manager, often related to governance and management of information and data. Before and during the merge between DNV and GL I was lucky to be part of the program management in DNV GL Maritime. At present I am primarily engaged in assessing and strengthening Information security capabilities in Maritime.

I really love Gardening from April to October and the rest of the year I read. I enjoy being challenged by art and theatre.

During Covid-19 I have re-realised how fantastic it is that we can travel in literature, film and art. You are never alone if you have a book to read.

In DNV GL, I have a data governance and information security role in DNV GL Maritime. I also take on a variation of tasks and projects that comes Class Development’s way. Everything from electronic certificates to ensuring contract compliance.

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MY RELATION TO DNV GL Any relationship that lasts a lifetime, has its ups and downs. I like our company´s reasons for being and I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoy the fantastic colleagues and their indisputable high competence.

I also think I must emphasize the importance of involvement on all levels. People like to be involved, to be asked, to be consulted, to understand what is happening, what is going on. We need to know. We are all happier when we feel secure, that is motivating. Treat people properly. And also, that we understand that people are people, we are motivated by good leaders and good colleagues. We should tear down hierarchies where they are not needed.

Some closing words, I enjoy being part of Cross BA processes and discussions, like those we have in VEFF. We see that we have so much in common across the BAs and across geographies. Digitalization is requiring that we tear down geogra­ phical and business boundaries, this will affect the way we operate in DNV GL, the business model itself is challenged, this is important that VEFF discuss and understand.

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Jørgen Nodeland Principal Surveyor Drilling equipment, CMC, CAP Machinery & SIO In a time of change, it will be exciting to be part of the digital development in the future, working methods are constantly changing at an increasing pace and it will be an exciting journey!

I am 48 years old, have 4 children and I have recently become a grandfather.

Educated as chief engineer and has sailed on LNG tankers for 12 years and worked as an inspector in Abu Dhabi for 2 years before I started in DNV GL in 2007.

When the job is not calling, I am busy as a football coach, like to go for walks, ski and read a good book.

I hope that my colleagues perceive that I care about the work environment, that they can talk to me if they need it. Thinking it is extra important in these Covid-19 times.

What I like best about working at DNV GL are good colleagues, the fact that the work week is varied, and that I feel I have a meaningful job.

In a time of change, it will be exciting to be part of the digital development in the future, working methods are constantly changing at an increasing pace and it will be an exciting journey!

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Tine Cederblad Contract Manager We share and we learn. By nature, I am very passioned about the fact that “everyone should be allowed to participate”.

Born and raised in Oslo, 60 years old and has been a widow for 10. Two children, boy 30, and girl 28.

I started a little randomly in DNV GL in 1981, my boyfriend at the time, thought it was more convenient that I worked in Bærum, rather than in Oslo. (He lived in Asker and worked in Bærum). I was lucky and got the secretary job I applied for.

I am often at my cabin, either in the forest at Bjoneroa (Ringerrike), or in the mountains at Vats/Bergsjø (Ål in Hallingdal), just as often on my own, as with friends. Hiking, picking berries, bathing almost all year round, fishing, chopping wood, or working in the vegetable garden and flower beds.

Besides, there are always some maintenance; pickling, listing, small-carpentry, snow removal and clearing. I’m a jerk with the drill. I have good neighbors in both places, so there is always someone to “hang out with” whenever I want.

I am a Contract Manager in GSS IT. I make contracts and follow up, mainly for consultants we hire in, but I also deal with some other types of contracts.

Started, as mentioned above, as secretary in the «Ship Division», Newbuilding, then I went to Sailing ships. Moved on to IT as a Controller. From there I went to Software, took a year of evening study at BI and worked as a Business Controller for 10 years. After that it was 3 years in KEMA, before I got the job in GSS IT where I am now (been 8 years already).

I have been a member of VBIL all year, and I have contributed at the board; in “Rogruppa”, VBIL and “Kunstforeningen” in addition to VEFF’s Control Committee where I still am.

Almost every day and years, (soon to be 40) I have always looked forward to going to work. I have been lucky with both colleagues and managers through the years. I think I get along well with the challenges I’m given; I feel respected and get

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good and constructive feedback. I am happy and proud to work in DNV GL. I am a happy, unpretentious and quite playful (yes in fact still is) person. It is a joy to prepare for different occasions in the office landscape, whether it is Christmas, Easter, Halloween, birthdays, or simply just “silly Tuesday”. This “Covid-19 pandemic time” has eroded my social gene and mental state, but I have been focused on exercising and going for walks.

Social Teams meetings and Snaps also help to keep the positive thoughts, in addition to the fact that I really enjoy my job.

Of hobbies I have all kind of handicrafts, ‘gardener’, and knitting, sowing etc. I think of myself as sporty; dance (ballroom), skiing (both x-country and downhill), cycling, rowing, swimming and hiking. Quite healthy and enjoy wine. Very fond of pets, ‘dog-sitter’ and enjoy walks with several of my friends’ dogs.

By nature, I am very passioned about the fact that “everyone should be allowed to participate”. I am a member of the Oslo Women’s Medical Association. There we have, for example, something called “women’s talk across” with immigrant women that we are with approx. one night every 14 days. We talk and have great fun with them about all our everyday chores and traditions that they have, and those we have in Norway. And we make a meal (on tour) from each of our countries we come from. We share and we learn.

Finally, I would like to express that I thrive very well in VEFF’s Audit and Control Committee, together with Rita and Christian. We review all the Board’s minutes and ensure that the Board complies with the association’s articles of association and the orders given by the Supervisory Board. I really hope I gain the trust and can continue in this association work. It is both educational and a good piece of fun work.

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Hiking. My recommendation to clear your mind and get energized: Mountain hiking. Here at Romsdalseggen.

Morgan. Travelling is to be added to my favorite tasks. This time we rented a Morgan at Gatwick and drove through the exciting landscape of South West England for a few days.

Per Wiggo Richardsen Communication Director, Vice President The company’s purpose and values are close to my heart. So are our international presence and our global roles within important industries.

Veritas (or more correctly DNV GL) has been my second home since the last millennium. And it has been a good place to be. The company’s purpose and values are close to my heart. So are our international presence and our global roles within important industries.

But on top of my ranking list throughout these 20+ years; all the companionship and exchanges gained from working alongside my great, competent colleagues. Colleagues at Høvik and colleagues elsewhere in the 100 countries where we are present.

I myself have also had the opportunity to work outside Høvik – in Houston and later in London. Great experience both professional and private. My job as a communication manager has also brought me to most corners of the global Veritas map.

But I am not among those that joined DNV GL directly from the university. (My son did.) I have had a life before entering the Høvik gate.

I spent seven years with Norsk Hydro, Oil & Gas, five years with FORUT (Foundation of applied Research at the University of Tromsø) and before that, and in parallel throughout my six years as a student in Troms, I also worked as a journalist. …so, yes, I am old.

What did I study? Almost forgot it. Computer science. I got my master – or more correctly Cand. Scient degree – mid 80s.

Later – mid 90s – communication and management studies at BI, Oslo and Oxford, UK. Except of three-four years as a research scientist, my tasks have been within communication.

Combining technical knowledge and communication skills.

Today I have the role as DNV GL’s press spokesman. As part of the communication team, our role is to promote the company, share the good stories and achievement, and to be a tool in

branding the company’s knowledge, the competence and the experts representing these skills. It is also the comms team’s role to protect the brand. To stand up when the rough winds hit our company. On a personal note – these latest months have been interesting and challenging.

To make a structure of this article, I was asked some questions.

One was: What are you passionate about?

My twist to that is: The best thing by being a Norwegian and living in Norway is the limited difference – socially and economically - between most people living here. (A big thank you to those who developed our structure and systems in the past. And at present, to organizations like VEFF which is part of protecting it.) So, working together with others, being engaged as a volunteer to the best for all of us, or simply use the voice in political discussions – that motivates me.

To end this story, these are my favorite tasks outside Veritas.

My family!

AND MORE: I love being active on my bike, or my cross-country skies, or my kayak, or my skates, or my rollerblades, or my skateboard, or my jogging shoes, or….

Yes, I am the crazy one that have used 14 different options commuting to and from work - where my own body is the only engine. Seriously – everyone without kids in the kindergarten or any health issues – living less than 10 kilometers away from Høvik - can use at least one of those 14. And it is fun too.

And finally, not to forget the friendship developed to colleagues in the morning gym and the daily (yes, I said daily, except for corona) swim in the fjord.

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Inger Unn Ramde Production responsible – Service documents – Maritime OFFSHORE DNV GL is a wonderful workplace. On the journey to a digital, agile and efficient future I would like to be the bridge between machine learning, data science, AI etc. and classification topics.

I live in Oslo with my dog. I am very fortune to have two daughters, now both grown up and living away from home.

My technical experience from class systematic ship (mainly statutory disciplines) includes experience in newbuilding and ships in operation, abroad as well as at Høvik.

I have participated in IMO Fire Protection (FP) sessions on behalf of Norwegian delegation and been a team member of VIS Management for new building (NB) e.g. survey requirements/statutory/DNV GL Rules and fleet in service (FIS).

Particularly, I would like to emphasize working several years as PMA (project manager approval for ship’s classification) and how much I cherish to work with, explore and utilize the incredible resources that we possess as a company.

I enjoy travelling, and always grab the opportunity to go somewhere I haven’t visited before. And in my opinion life is best outdoor, summer as well as winter.

I love to help and support our internal/external customers through the consistent delivery of high-quality services. And hope that my in-depth technical experience from class systematic ship and previous position as PMA complement each other perfectly in my current position as Production Responsible for service documents. It gives me much joy and job satisfaction using my skill set achieving our common goal to develop our position as the leading Classification Society.

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When it comes to combining technical and digital expertise, I have firsthand experience with digitalization of the rules by among others to participate in Digital library project. I see the possibilities to further implement this in our services to tailor the rules to the yards, owners, manufacturers, surveyors along with approval engineers. I also initiated a RPA (robotic processed automation) for our rule hearing tool, as well as a metadata management project. I’m curious and eager to learn and adapt to the challenges of a digital world.

DNV GL is a wonderful workplace. We are a big international company with opportunities to seek other jobs at Høvik, in Norway and abroad. I have been in DNV GL for 23 years, but it does not feel like that at all. DNV GL are a knowledgeable company. We sell knowledge and trust, not physical products.

On the journey to a digital, agile and efficient future I would like to be the bridge between machine learning, data science, AI etc. and classification topics.

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Sven Christian Himberg Group Leader/Record Officer Pension is actually very interesting, and especially defined contribution because one can have full control over own pension and development. This is a topic that interest me, and I strive to do my best for the defined contribution scheme in DNV GL. My name is Sven Christian Himberg. I am 47 years old, married and have 3 children. A daughter of 11 years and two sons aged 14 and 17.

I started at the Non-comissioned officer school in North Norway (BSIN) right after high school and had my duty year at Skjold Garrison in Troms. Then I had 2 years at Military Academy in Oslo, before 2 duty years at the Garrison in Porsanger in Finnmark.

After 6 years in the military I applied for leave. My plan was to improve my grades in some subjects for further studies. To fund this, I signed up for Manpower, and my first job was in the archive in DNV in 1998. I worked in the archive section for about 3 years before I became part of the ScanIT project. This turned out to be a 4-year project to scan all A-4 documentation on sailing vessels. During this project I was also offered permanent employment in DNV from 2001. After the end of the project, I have remained in the same department until what is today called Register and Data Management. During this period, we have gone from receiving and archiving paper to where we are today where most of the documentation is produced and stored digitally.

Throughout this period, we as a department and employees have been very keen to ensure that what is stored should be possible to recover. From being able to sit down with a ship’s folder and flip pages, you should now be able to find what you need when you need it.

I was also involved in the migration of documentation from LGL to NPS which was a great challenge, especially towards retrieval. 2 different companies with different structure and procedures. The result was probably not perfect, but as good as possible given the framework we had to deal with.

When I’m not at work, I see myself as someone who loves outdoor activities and nature. The number of trips is nearly as many as I would have hoped for, but tent life, campfires and walks in forests, mountains in summer and winter are things I enjoy. I love skiing, both downhill, cross country and up (randone).

I also like to cycle and paddle but must admit that this year has been different. I have not been able to do this as much as wanted, so I have big ambitions ahead. I have also been a football coach for all my children and am still the coach of the youngest. My own career on the football field was short, so I try not to expose the kids to my football skills for too long.

Otherwise, I recently purchased a motorcycle after 20 years of being without, so can’t wait to start the spring season on 2 wheels.

I am elected as an employee representative to the board of defined contribution-based pensions. Pension is actually very interesting, and especially defined contribution because one can have full control over own pension and development. This is a topic that interest me, and I strive to do my best for the defined contribution scheme in DNV GL. I enjoy very much to work for DNV GL. It’s obvious as I’ve been here for over 20 years. I really like my colleagues and the workplace. It is a large workplace with many development opportunities and many employee benefits.

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Nina Caspersen Administrative Officer

I enjoy busy days and I get energy from the people around me; happy and satisfied colleagues help me also to perform my best.

Working within sales and admin support trying to make ­people’s work life smooth and easy makes me satisfied. I enjoy busy days and I get energy from the people around me; happy and satisfied colleagues help me also to perform my best.

I am happily married with one grown up son. He is currently doing his master’s in law. I am so fortunate that I live only a ten minutes stroll from the offices here at Høvik.

I have worked at DNV GL for 15 years. We are very privileged to be part of such a company with good colleagues and work environment.

I have worked within different administrative, financial and sales support areas throughout my whole working career. After 15 years within banking and finance I joined DNV GL almost 15 years ago. I have worked within the Maritime BA for many years and was for quite some years part of the Technical Support Team helping all our offices throughout the world with various kind of support. For the past two years I have held an admin and sales support position within Business Area Energy.

The environment! It feels great to be part of the Energy Team in DNV GL in order to try to reach important goals as well as trying to make us all contribute to making a sustainable future and most of all to secure a better future for our children.

I am a bit of a training addict. As I like both cardio and strength training, I have no problem with filling up my spare time. This makes me happy and strong both physically and mentally.

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I sincerely hope we can say “goodbye” to COVID-19 in some way or other within the end of 2021. I hope we will all be able to meet and see each other again on a normal daily basis. I am very much looking forward to seeing my colleagues in the office again.

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Henrik Lund Nielsen Senior Surveyor VEFF representative Fredericia office Denmark Things I burn for is safety and justice both in my work as surveyor and as VEFF representative.

I was born in Denmark and have been living there all the time.

Married to Hanne and living in a small town called Børkop, close to the nature and Vejle Fjord. I am educated as Maskinmester (BTecMan & MarEng) and have been working at sea for 14 years ending up as Chief Engineer.

In my spare time (outside DNV GL) I try to share the time between my wife and my hobbies: our house and garden, golf, cycling (road) and hunting. These hobbies are a much-appreciated break in the daily routines.

So far, I have been working in DNV GL for 13 years which have been a good time with good colleagues. Although there has been and is tough times due to external circumstances like it is now with the virus.

Things I burn for is safety and justice both in my work as ­surveyor and as VEFF representative.

As a closing comment I will say that I’m looking forward to continue my work with safety and justice.

My role as Marine Surveyor in DNV GL is to perform surveys and inspections onboard ships and Mobil Offshore Units and thereby improve the safety of the crew and vessel/unit. This is a rewarding and challenging job, especially when it is challenging times in the maritime business.

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Marianne Myrvold-Sijtsma Information Specialist/Web editor As a curiosity, I also want to mention that a few years back I found out that my great-great-grandfather worked as a surveyor in DNV in the 1890s.

I was born in Norway, but I have also lived some years in the Netherlands. Married to Edwin and we have two children, 16 and 13 years old.

As a curiosity, I also want to mention that a few years back I found out that my great-great-grandfather worked as a surveyor in DNV in the 1890s.

I studied Information Management in The Hague in The Netherlands and I worked a couple of years as a librarian/ information specialist in a bank in Amsterdam before we moved back to Norway.

When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family and friends, reading books, hiking in the mountains and I like both alpine- and cross-country skiing. I also sing in a choir which I very much enjoy, and I can recommend it as an activity to prevent stress.

In 2005, I started working in the Archive section in DNV. I moved on after a few years to work as a web editor and then to Class Systematics where I worked with document handling for class entries. Now I’m working in the section Register and Data Management as an Information Specialist where I have different tasks; updating of the Ships register, updating of intranet sites and SharePoint sites for Technical Support, keeping the customer data in Affinitas sharp. In addition, I’m the editor of Classification Newsletter which is sent out to all employees in Maritime once a month.

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Despite the challenging times in connection with the merger and the pandemic this year, I find DNV GL a very good place to work. There are career opportunities internally, in Høvik there are a lot of leisure opportunities and last but not least, I have very nice colleagues who I also meet outside of work.

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Eva Bakke Controller Business Assurance, Global Staff Finance What I appreciate the most with DNV GL is that you can always take on new challenges and tasks within the company. There are always some changes happening and you get to know colleagues from all over the world.

I am Norwegian and has lived in Norway all my life. I have two kids together with my partner. My son has a master’s degree in mathematics and work as an analyst in a consultancy company.

My daughter is studying medicine in Bergen. We also have a granddaughter.

I have studied economy and worked with Financial matters for almost 25 years. I have also had positions where I have been more involved with operations, such as planning og projects and follow up on project status with clients.

I have a Siberian Huskey. He used to make me go out running.

Now he has gotten old and I must do the running without him. Jogging is a good hobby for me, I love outdoor activities, and I can do it together with friends or family without much planning ahead. Sometimes I sign up for a half marathon or a marathon to get some extra motivation. I also like hiking very much, and I like to explore mountains outside Norway when traveling abroad.

The last five years I have worked as a controller for Global Units in Business Assurance. As a controller there is a lot of reporting but also support to and collaboration with colleagues in the organization. Now that many countries are on Oracle Finance this is even more important.

I have worked in DNV GL for 18 years. What I appreciate the most with DNV GL is that you can always take on new ­challenges and tasks within the company. There are always some changes happening and you get to know colleagues from all over the world.

To me it is important that we have good routines, tools and support that ensure we can give reliable deliveries in time to help management in DNV GL take the best decisions for the company.

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I VEFF XX I COUNCIL I

Terese Solheim Marketing and Communications Manager, Product and Sales I strive to improve the reach, reputation, relations and revenue whilst having fun at work, and I enjoy the varied work that the ever-evolving digital marketing brings.

I live in Stavanger with my husband and our two children, Samuel 6 years, and Liv 4 years. I went to study in the UK after college, and ended up staying abroad for 11 years, including one year in China and one year in South America.

I started working within marketing in Manchester, UK, after I graduated, and continued with my marketing and communi­ cations career when I moved back to Norway 10 years ago.

Since then, I have worked with lead generation, marketing automation, analytics, launching product rollouts, search engine marketing, webinars, social media, content creation, web editing, and running effective marketing campaigns among others.

When I am not at work, I love spending time with my family and friends, and enjoying the great outdoors – sometimes just around the corner from the house, or further away in the mountains.

I am part of the global Marketing & Communications team in Digital Solutions, which consists of 20 talented people. In my job as a marketing & communications manager for the QHSE ecosystem, I enjoy and value the collaboration with the regions

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and the other units. I strive to improve the reach, reputation, relations and revenue whilst having fun at work, and I enjoy the varied work that the ever-evolving digital marketing brings.

I have worked in DNV GL for almost 10 years, and I love it. I am fortunate to work in a team that inspires me, and where we can share and learn from each other. DNV GL and MarCom allows me to continuously learn new skills, and being such a large organization as DNV GL, you are given endless opportunities to cooperate and learn from colleagues around the world.

Equal treatment and justice.

I look forward to being part of the ‘VEFF representantskap’ and learning more about VEFF and how it is supporting ­workers.

I VEFF COUNCIL I

Eirik Edland Pedersen Offshore Fleet in Service – Head of Department The gradual shift towards a greener future is very important to me. However, I’m convinced that as long as we work together and take care of each other, DNV GL will continue to stay an attractive workplace in the coming decades.

I’m 42 years old, living at Bekkestua close to Høvik. Married with two daughters of 8 and 10 years of age.

I have a master’s degree in Naval Architecture, within the field of marine structures and hydrodynamics. I joined DNV GL as an international technical trainee and have worked in several departments within Maritime and Oil & Gas, both in Norway, South Korea and Brazil. Last year I also completed a Master of Business and Administration degree as a part-time study program.

I love outdoor activities, in particular cycling and hiking during summer and going skiing in the winter season. Nothing beats the feeling of going cross country skiing in the forests on a dark winter evening, with only a headlight and the stars showing the way. And luckily, these activities are both familyand Covid-friendly.

My current position is Head of Department for Offshore Fleet in Service within Maritime, where I have 17 brilliant employees working together with me to support our external and internal clients and colleagues.

I joined DNV GL just after graduating from university and enjoy very much working here. The company’s purpose is an important motivation for me, and I’m always inspired by all the dedicated and competent employees as well as the good working environment we have in DNV GL. In my role I’m also fortunate to have a lot of contact and cooperation with colleagues in other regions, and I’m often surprised and proud to see how we as a Norwegian company are able to really have global impact.

The gradual shift towards a greener future is very important to me. This major shift will result in large internal change processes, some of which will probably be perceived as challenging for many, if not all of us. It is therefore important that we are able to tackle these challenges together, and VEFF will continue to play an important role in this respect.

The last couple of years have been demanding for all of us, with impacts seen from both digital transformations, oil price collapse and most recently the global Covid pandemic. However, I’m convinced that as long as we work together and take care of each other, DNV GL will continue to stay an attractive workplace in the coming decades.

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I VEFF COUNCIL I

Arvind Phatak Senior Principal Specialist HSE & Security I am passionate about ethics and quality in workplace. Combining these two values in a practical and realistic manner is what motivates and drives me. It does not help to have holistic goals if they are practically impossible to implement.

I was born in India and moved to Norway 23 years ago. My wife, Aruna, works for DNT. I have a daughter who works at NBIM as a research analyst, and a son who has recently ­graduated as a doctor from UiO. My professional competence and work experience I am educated as a Master Mariner and have sailed on board different type of ships for 21 years. Later I worked in the ­quality department of a shipping company and, for some time, as a superintendent for belt unloader ships.

I started in DNV GL (DNV legacy), at Høvik, in 2007 in the Management Systems department, and after two years moved to Quality & Safety unit. I have visited a lot of Maritime offices for internal audits, and it has given me the opportunity to interact with colleagues at all levels and from all over the world. In 2019 April, I was given the task to support the unit with HSE and Security.

Working in DNV GL is a dream come true for any maritime professional. You can find in-house experts on almost

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everything related to maritime business. The focus on helping customers in solving their challenges is something that attracted me to this company in the first place.

When I’m not at work, I like to work around the house on small projects in my spare time. I also love travelling and enjoy planning in detail for my holiday trips. There is so much to see and explore in the world and so little time. However, no beach holidays or back-packing for me.

I am passionate about ethics and quality in workplace. Combining these two values in a practical and realistic manner is what motivates and drives me. It does not help to have holistic goals if they are practically impossible to implement.

When I joined the company, I was told that this is where you are likely to retire, and it seems to be heading that way. It is a pleasure working with such competent and caring colleagues.

I VEFF BOARD MEMBER I

Ivar Magnus Næsset VerIT Server Mngt Team DNV GL is all about people. We hold a high standard with regards to competence and values and I sincerely believe this resonates well throughout the organization.

I was born on a cold winter day in Oslo. I am married to my soulmate Solveig, also born on the same day, though in Bergen. We are very fortunate to be the parents of Theodor and Tilde.

Being a Senior System Engineer, I have more than 20 years of experience managing a multitude of corporate IT systems. I worked one year for Merkantildata ASA before entering my career with Det Norske Veritas in 2001. In February 2021 I celebrate 20 years in the company.

Being with my family is my greatest joy in life. I have a beautiful son who suffers from a severe case of cerebral palsy. Assisting him and supporting my family takes up every hour of the day besides work. If I do find the time, I really enjoy music.

I am a hobby musician. I master the guitar, but also other instruments. I have performed in several bands and have appeared on different stages in and around Oslo.

database administration and IT security. Besides IT, I am also fortunate to be a board member in VEFF. DNV GL is all about people. We hold a high standard with regards to competence and values and I sincerely believe this resonates well throughout the organization. Having been in and out of hospitals and care units with my son through the years I must also express my gratitude for the work life balance DNV GL offers. My managers have always been there for me and my family and their support make me go the extra mile with regards to work.

One important thing in life is to be seen and heard. People are important. As Bob Dylan so famously sings: “If your time to you is worth savin’ and you better start swimmin’ Or you’ll sink like a stone.” I believe the DNV GL values resonates good with this. Health, life, and the environment. Besides that, I am a hopeless optimist.

First and foremost, my main role is to make IT work. I am fortunate to work with many highly skilled IT specialists in different virtual teams around the globe. As an Infrastructure specialist my area of expertise is within collaboration systems,

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I VEFF BOARD MEMBER I

Marit Kvale Thom Sales Coordinator Backoffice Support I believe that if we are a good team player and help each other, we will succeed in our daily work.

Thinking WE instead of I is important for me.

I am from Vang in Valdres, have 2 children, 1 grandchild and live in Asker.

More than 20 years of experience within IT/HR Support ­globally in DNV GL. Now with Finance.

I spend most of my time skiing and walking in the forest and mountains. This gives me energy to also spend time with my grandchild. Since I am a very social person, I like to invite friends for a good meal and create a good atmosphere for them.

After my department moved to Poland, I got a new opportunity internally. March 2019, I started as Sales Coordinator in DS and I love my new job and the team.

I have worked in DNV GL for 25 years and I am happy to be a part of this company with so many good people that are not only my colleagues but also have become close friends to me.

During my journey in DNV GL I have had the opportunity to travel a lot and this has given me insight in different cultures and a given me a lot of friends globally.

After I started in my new job in Digital Solutions, I see now how important it is to have a good relationship with our ­external customers. Being service minded and customer friendly is something that is very important for me. It is also important that people I am working with find me as a trusted person. I believe that if we are a good team player and help each other, we will succeed in our daily work. Thinking WE instead of I is important for me.

I am proud of being a part of DNV GL and hope I can stay here until I get retired.

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I VEFF BOARD MEMBER I © iStock

Martin Høegh Senior Surveyor DNV GL is an inspiring workplace with many varied tasks, as well as the opportunity to meet many organizations, work tasks and people.

I live in Kvæfjord municipality, the neighboring municipality to Harstad. Grew up with farming and received training about the sea from my grandfather, who was a net fine. Care of wooden boat, setting of fishing nets and line.

Trained as an International Welding Technician (IWT). Also have education in electronics and drawing. I started my working life as a sheet metal worker, further as foreman (started as a 27-year-old) for a department that produced pressure tanks for the refrigeration industry and the military, operating assistant with responsibility for a company that had 4 acres of workshop space indoors. Production of fish processing equipment and transport solutions, offshore related products (Seashore Vortes Tool, etc.), pressure tanks, machining services. Water treatment equipment for drinking water (UV irradiation of water, pH adjustment, filtration). Art ornaments, statue of Leonhard Seppala (dog sled driver who brought serum to Nome).

Customers: land-based fishing companies and trawlers, the Armed Forces and municipalities.

When I’m not at work, I like to photograph, fish and maintain the homeplace where I live. It is enough to maintain, it can be houses, barns, outbuildings, boathouses, roads, forests and cabins.

I also enjoy traveling both in Norway and abroad. I can the combine both travel and photography hobbies. I have been so lucky that, through work and leisure, I have travelled in large parts of Norway, Lindesnes, Nordkapp and Grense Jakobselv.

I have several roles in DNV GL. My main job is to work with maritime projects and industry. In addition, I am a shop ­steward for northern Norway, central radiation protection manager for industrial radiography for Norway, certifies

­ elders in northern Norway. One of the few in DNV GL who w performs X-ray control. With using digital X-rays.

DNV GL and what it is like to work here. DNV GL has many branches and organizations. We have many societal functions that we must contribute to. This can be safety for both personnel, equipment and the environment. DNV GL is an inspiring workplace with many varied tasks, as well as the opportunity to meet many organizations, work tasks and people.

I have, now after almost 10 years (March 1, 2021), started to get a good overview of DNV GL. Good working conditions at the outdoor stations in DNV GL are important to me. To be able to help ensure that personnel who work can have a good working day and free time. It is important that you look at both working hours and travel time, as time you are away from the family. I do not think that the family sees a difference whether one works or travels. They only register that one is away from the family.

This could be a greater challenge when some smaller stations are closed, and one has to travel longer distances to meet our customers. My experience from Northern Norway is that you do not always arrive at the time that is planned. I have experienced once that a snow avalanche blocked the only way to the destination. The plane does not land where one has planned.

So, travel / travel time is something we need to look at in the future.

DNV GL is in an exciting time of change, where we will have new challenges. It can be the type of job we have, how we work and how society will develop after the Covid-19 pandemic. We will continue to work and navigate in these challenging times.

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I VEFF DEPUTY CHAIR I

Lin Beate Karsten Lead trainer Rules and Standards Publishing House, deputy chair VEFF – Chair salary negotiations – Chair Election board DNV GL I am very proud to work in a company where the employees can be involved and have the opportunity to influence important decisions. This is something I see as very valuable and I feel lucky to be a part of this.­ I was born in Rotterdam as my father worked for DNV there as an expat. I am married to Christian and we have three ­children, Ludvik (17), Bastian (14) and Maiken (11). We live at Vettre in Asker.

I have studied economy and marketing and spent one semester at City University in London where the subjects were international marketing and international business. This was a part of the Master of Marketing Management program at BI. I started as a summer temp in the central archive in former DTP (Division Technology and Products) in maritime. Worked there in the summertime when I did not study. After I delivered my thesis related to customer satisfaction at BI, I continued to work on different projects for 2 ½ years before I took on new opportunities externally. I worked for two years as a sales analyst for Telenor Media. I came back to DNV GL in 2002.

I have had several different positions in DNV GL since I started almost 20 years back. My position now is in Rules & Standards Publishing House where I am a lead trainer. I train

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colleagues in XMetaL, which is a tool that enables us to digitalize all our rules and standards. In addition, I have worked for several years with web, content and records management. In addition to my job and my different roles, I have also had the privilege to study HR. When I have time off, I love to spend time with family and friends. I have also played floorball for more than 20 years at Asker Innebandy Klubbs womens team. I am also a board member in Frisk Asker Fotball, where all our three children play. In the wintertime I enjoy being in the mountains and go cross country skiing.

As mentioned, I work as a trainer and arrange training courses for colleagues globally. I find this very meaningful. In addition to that I am the Deputy Chair in VEFF. I also have ­several other roles in the company; member of AMU (Arbeids­ miljøutvalget), I am a safety delegate and for the last years I have been Chair of the employee election committee to the Board of Directors and the Council.

I think it is very nice to work in such a large company as DNV GL where there are always new opportunities for development internally. Our vision and values are also important and motivating to me. I am very proud to work in a company where the employees can be involved and have the opportunity to influence important decisions. This is something I see as very valuable and I feel lucky to be a part of this.

I love working with and meet people in different roles and from different cultures. I feel very privileged to be able to do that in all the different roles I have. With that said, I really hope that the Covid situation we have had this year will come to an end soon, so we can all meet again.

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Nina Ivarsen Senior Principal Support Staff Chairperson VEFF & Head of GEF – Global Employee Forum – DNV GL Board member No problems are too small or too big to be solved.

For me justice is the most important concept to work after.

I am born in Norway but have lived 23 years abroad in several countries, mainly France and US. Married to Jan and have one son named Laurence, that is educated an economist with ­specialty in technology. I have studied economy, finance, ­management and psychology.

Being a behavioral economist, my expertise lies in the field of behavioral finance, having studied the effects of psychological, social, cognitive, and emotional factors on the economic decisions of individuals and institutions and the consequences for market prices, returns, and the resource allocation. The field of behavioral economics is primarily concerned with the bounds of rationality of economic agents. I can consult on behavioral models with typically integrated insights from psychology and microeconomic theory; these models cover a range of concepts, methods, and fields.

When I’m not at work I enjoy the game of golf. I love the challenge it gives me to walk four and a half hours being ­concentrated on hitting a good shot. You also get to tackle

the frustration when you do not hit the ball as desired. I also like to spend time working in the garden.

MY JOB IN DNV GL First of all, I work with people. I am a union representative who represents and defends the interest of fellow employees.

I hold a broad experience in Norwegian labor law and international regulations as well as negotiations related to tariff and salary. No problems are too small or too big to be solved.

I have worked in DNV GL for 23 years. Good people and a healthy work environment. It has been challenges, but that has been solved in a good and transparent manner. Cooperation is a main factor in order to do my job and have success.

For me justice is the most important concept to work after.

There are always opportunities and problems, but I believe in my capability to see the justice in the cases I solve or negotiate.

It must be fair to all parties. We have to give and take so the majority of the involved parties are satisfied and heard.

The way forward, I’m looking forward to continue to work with people and I feel honored to also be elected to the DNV GL Board of Directors I DNV GL. Being the Chair of VEFF and a member of the Board truly make a difference in the ability to make decisions and give advice for employees and the business at large.

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I COVID-19 I

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HVO Covid-19 Covid-19 from a safety delegate perspective May 2020 TEXT: HVO ELLEN MARGRETHE PIHL KONSTAD I must make a confession - I am not very fond of writing articles. Normally the process would go as follows; I find a topic I find interesting and would like to write about. After a chat with Nina at the VEFF office we conclude on the major lines of an article. I tend to have some ideas in my head, and it will only reach the paper when it is 2 minutes till deadline.

This time I received an e-mail from Nina: “Great if you can contribute an article on what goes on in the Covid-19 crisis team and the measures the safety organizations took when a pandemic strike.” Well here goes.

Most of you may not be aware that we have a crisis team in DNV GL Norway. They are on 24/7 alert, handling any number of cases during the year, most of which the rest of us never will know anything about.

As our company doctor mentioned, we have a very professional team, which was a strength when the pandemic hit Norway. They actually had their first meeting almost 14 days prior to the first confirmed case of a person being infected with the virus in Norway.

I joined the team just after winter holidays, having been kept updated by the CC on the situation prior to this.

The learning curve the first few weeks was steep. As HVO I was not prepared for what came. Luckily, the crisis team in Norway trains on scenarios on a regular basis. Together with internal and external expertise we were able to make plans, revise plans and make new plans. The recommendations from the government kept changing until the shut down on March the 12th.

Thanks to our very adaptable colleagues, and our digital platform, DNV GL went from been an office-based workplace to a from-home one in 1 day during the close down of Norway.

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Leaving the office on the 11th was a strange experience. You noticed colleagues carrying laptops, screens and keyboards on their way home. Everyone with a small smile, and a wish that things would soon be back to normal.

Well – 10 weeks later and we know that that wish did not come true.

Out of 2050 employees, 95% suddenly had some kind of home office. Working from the office was only allowed after prior acceptance from the Covid-19 team. Priority to the premises was given to the ones who had to be at the office in order to perform their job, such as ERS for Maritime, the laboratories for Oil & Gas or the servers for IT to keep everything running smoothly.

Over the next couple of weeks, we realised that this was not just a health crisis. The shut down of more or less the whole of Europe had an impact on out finances. Different cost-cutting measures had been implemented, such as travel and overtime restrictions and encouragement to take vacation in slow periods. Unfortunately, this was not enough, and DNV GL decided to implement 2 more measures effecting the employees directly; temporary lay-offs and a 10% salary and time cut.

The implementation of these measures, resulted in the need for information in the organisation; • how to contact NAV? • how to fill inn time sheets?

• am I affected?

• I have full schedules as it is – how am I to do all the work in reduced time?

I COVID-19 I

The questions where many, both to the Covid-19 mailbox, and to the safety delegates. After the first round at GSS, a FAQ was developed answering many of these questions.

I strongly believe that being able to address and discuss issues immediately helps reduce the stress and conflicts. The good cooperation I have had with both unions and the management team has been a big strength during this time. Communication is especially challenging when it is done either in writing or by Teams. Body language is difficult to read through the screen.

In addition to the work done as part of the Covid-19 team, I have been conduction ordinary HVO tasks such as chairing AMU and VO meetings, facilitate the appointment of new VOs and a re-organisation that was implemented in April.

It has been challenging being a VO during times of home office. At work, you interact with your colleagues informally on a daily basis. This is much harder from a home office.

Covid-19 from a safety delegate perspective – December 2020 TEXT: HVO ELLEN MARGRETHE PIHL KONSTAD When writing the article for the VEFF Magazine in May, the COVID team had just started the work on how to prepare for opening the offices. The optimism was high and by June all the statistics were showing a decline of the virus. The Covid team discussed what physical labels to implement at the office (who would know the vast number of colour and lay out to choose from) and how to plan the actual opening.

Sadly, the plans are still in draft stage. In stead of opening up the office, the recommendations from June had to be prolonged and reversed ending in home office for the majority of us for the rest of 2020.

What became apparent early this autumn was the need for a more systematic approach to information. The Covid-19 ­Norwegian Share Point site was set up so that it should be ­easier to find what are the current recommendation, what do

For smaller areas, a VO have a closer relation to all the colleagues, but a VO for a 100+ persons this becomes difficult.

What I will take with me: I am amazed on how we all contributed to keep the company up and running in a very difficult time. Colleagues has been looking out for each other, leaders paying special attention to staff with little network outside work. Regular meetings have been moved to Teams - including the social ones, being it lunches, coffee breaks, wine lottery or quiz nights. This time has also shown us how important out colleagues are. We can do our job from the living room, but we miss being at the office seeing our colleagues.

Now returning to a new normal, I hope we can take this extra consideration back into the office; Bringing with us the best from the last weeks.

(Some even have claimed that we as an organisation has moved more digitally the last 10 weeks then the last 5 years since everybody now have to work digitally.)

• 524 mails have so far been handled through the Covid-19 mailbox • 17 email has been sent out to all employees in DNV GL Norway and an additional five email to all line mangers • Developed F&Q, screening forms and guidelines

I do if I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or get a positive test. So far, there has been no reports of contagion in any of the DNV GL premises in Norway.

The physical and mental well being has been hight on the agenda. As a result, we initiated the October challenge, to contact someone for a virtual cup om coffee. The Stretch and Bend from our BHT physiotherapist was prolonged and in November we were able to announce the Office Supply initiative.

The Covid team has also been working towards Christmas.

The first requests for guidelines came late October. Our challenge was that the recommendations from the government and local authorities kept changing. In the end we realised that it would be difficult to advise on any physical gatherings and advised to host Team party’s instead. Based on the feedback from the organisation, we have a lot of creative colleagues. Hopefully we will be able to put the plans from May from draft to final.

Take care during the Holidays HVO Ellen

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WORK AND PLAY HARD AND ENJOY EVERY DAY!

Hvordan bli medlem av VEFF

How to become a VEFF member

• Kontakt veff-kontoret: VEFF@DNVGL.com • Du finner også informasjon på www.veff.no

• Contact the VEFF office: VEFF@dnvgl.com • You will also find useful information on www.veff.no

Editor: Nina Ivarsen. Design and layout: Bodoni, 125875

VEFF