Olaf Thommessen is a highly experienced executive with a unique background at the intersection of business and politics. He is described as a person with strategic acumen and the ability to identify "gaps" in the market and create relevant visibility. He has broad experience spanning many industries and types of organizations.

Olaf Thommessen is a leader with a rare ability to navigate the intersection of business and politics. With a career spanning decades and industries, he has built a solid platform for identifying market opportunities, driving change and creating visibility for companies.

His professional journey began with a strong academic foundation, with education from IMD in Lausanne, BI Norwegian Business School and Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris. In addition, he has a background from the navy as a quartermaster, which has contributed to his disciplined and strategic approach to leadership.

Olaf has held leading roles in some of Norway's and the world's most complex organizations. He has been CEO of SMB Norge, Secretary General of Plan Norge, and held key management positions in companies such as Orkla Foods, Storebrand and Nera Telecommunications. He has also worked as a consultant in New York and led innovation and strategy work through his own consulting company, Etheco AS.

With a career marked by international experience, Olaf has led companies with hundreds of employees in over 60 countries. He has worked in heavy industrial companies such as HydrogenPro and a leading battery company, where he served as interim manager in critical phases. Olaf sees interim management not only as a temporary solution, but as a strategic tool for transformation and growth.

His ability to create relevant visibility and position companies has made him a valued advisor for companies looking to enter new markets. This is also the core of his work as Executive Partner at Johok, where he helps companies navigate unfamiliar markets and builds bridges between business and politics.

Olaf is a leader who thrives in complex situations. He has guided organizations through crises, restructurings and demanding change processes. With a strategic flair for finding "gaps" in the market, a deep understanding of both politics and business, as well as a personal drive to contribute to a more sustainable world, he is a valuable resource for any organization that wants growth and development.

With fluency in French, English and Norwegian, he masters international arenas, and his broad network enables him to connect the right stakeholders. Olaf Thommessen is more than an experienced leader – he is a bridge builder, a strategist and a change agent who creates results where it really matters.

If you would like to engage Olaf Thommessen – please contact us at Incepto Executive.