In our series on the finalists for Styrekvinnen 2024, we present Ingelin Drøpping, one of Norway’s most sought-after board profiles. With more than 20 years of experience in board work and leadership roles at companies such as Telenor, Kongsberg Gruppen and Innovation Norway, Drøpping is a strong voice in technology, innovation and good corporate governance.
Drøpping holds a master’s degree in computer engineering from NTH (now NTNU) and an EMBA in entrepreneurship and globalisation from the Stockholm School of Economics. Her career has been driven by a desire to deliver results through innovation, customer-driven development and a clear strategic direction – principles she also brings into the boardroom.
Since her first board position in 2004, Drøpping has been deeply involved in board work, both as part of her executive roles and through external appointments. She emphasises that a good board should not merely monitor, but act as a value-creating sounding board for the company’s management. The board must set direction, create predictable frameworks and ensure that the company has the right management.
With the new gender balance requirements for Norwegian limited companies, 13,000 more women board members will be needed by 2028. Drøpping believes that women must get better at making their expertise visible, promoting each other and getting involved in the networks and forums where board candidates are considered. She points out that women want to be recognised for their expertise, not their gender, and encourages them to make active use of networks and recruiters.
Drøpping shares her best advice for women who want to take the step into the world of boards:
Ingelin Drøpping shows that solid expertise, a willingness to innovate and a desire to create value are the key to success in the boardroom. Read the full interview with her (in Norwegian) in AW Magazine here.