Geir Karlsen has been appointed new CEO of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA (“Norwegian”). Karlsen succeeds Jacob Schram.
The appointment will be effective June 21st 2021.
“I am pleased to announce that Geir Karlsen on request of the Board has accepted the job as CEO of Norwegian,” said Svein Harald Øygard, chairperson of Norwegian’s Board of Directors.
“Karlsen has successfully led the financial reconstruction of Norwegian and has the competencies, focus, trust and dedication that makes him the best choice as CEO of Norwegian”.
“As travel bans now are about to be lifted, Norwegian stands ready to offer thousands of flights to our customers in the Nordics and abroad.
“In parallel, further efforts will be made to strengthen Norwegian´s position as a low-cost airline and to return the company to sustainable profitability.
“Geir is the ideal CEO to lead these efforts,” said Øygard.
Karlsen (born 1965) has held the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since April 2018.
From July 2019 to December 2019, he was Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Norwegian. He has extensive experience from listed companies within shipping and offshore.
Mr. Karlsen has over the last 12 years held various CFO positions at international companies such as Golden Ocean Group and Songa Offshore.
“I appreciate the trust given by the Board of Directors, and I am pleased to accept the opportunity of serving Norwegian in a new role as CEO,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.
“Going forward, our main priorities will be to increase the profitability of our low-cost operations and to attract new and existing customers in all key markets.
“Norwegian is well positioned following the recent reconstruction of the company, with a strong brand, proven products and services, and not least a team of highly experienced colleagues ready to fight for every customer”.
The search for a new CFO will commence immediately.
