Welcome to our series of interviews presenting our outstanding board candidates. These interviews give you a unique opportunity to get to know our talented board candidates, who are ready to bring their expertise and insight to the boardroom.
We have handpicked a selection of experienced leaders with a broad range of backgrounds and expertise. They represent a diversity of perspectives, and all share an understanding of the importance of good governance in achieving strategic and operational goals.
Through these interviews you will gain insight into what motivates them, their views on board work and, not least, the personal qualities and skills they can offer. We hope this will give a fuller picture of each candidate and inspire engagement and discussion about the role of the board in modern business management.
This time we talk to Anne B. Heyerdahl
This time we have the pleasure of talking to Anne B. Heyerdahl. Anne is an experienced economist and leader, with a solid combination of strategic insight and cross-disciplinary expertise from international value chains.
In addition to experience from senior positions such as Logistics Director and Supply Chain Director at Vinmonopolet, Norrøna Sport and Brav, she has extensive experience as a consultant and interim manager. Throughout her career she has been responsible not only for profitability but also for sustainability, and she wants to bring this expertise with her into the boardroom.
What motivates you as a board member?
Working with other talented board members and the company’s management to build strong, future-oriented companies. Being able to contribute my experience of building sustainable international value chains, which fills an important gap in a boardroom. I enjoy working strategically and with a long-term view, while respecting today’s challenges. These factors make board work exciting, challenging and motivating for me, and I believe I can be an important contributor.
What are the most important qualities of a good board candidate?
I think it is important to listen and be curious about disciplines other than those closest to your own, and about views that challenge your own opinions. It is also essential to see the bigger picture, think strategically and see opportunities and solutions. Finally, I would say that for me it is essential to have integrity and the ability and willingness to exercise the board’s control function.
What is your philosophy on board work?
I believe the board has a central role in setting the framework for the CEO through the company’s strategic direction and goals, while also performing its control function. The board must recognise that it is the company’s management that knows the company, the industry and the market best, and that the board should be an important challenger, sounding board and supporter for the company’s chief executive. The chair and the board members must therefore ensure that the board has a way of working and a working climate that make this possible.
How would you like people to describe you after a board meeting?
I want those taking part in the board meeting – board members and those presenting items from management – to come away feeling that I have made constructive contributions to the discussion and the decision through relevant questions and well-founded opinions. It is also important to me that they see me as well prepared on the basis of the material that has been sent out. And that I listen actively to the views and arguments of management and the other board members.
Finally, I hope they see my understanding of the company’s role, opportunities and challenges in the industry and market in which it operates, and that I am able to see the strategic opportunities facing the company and propose solutions.
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt from your board experience?
My most important lesson from working with boards is that some matters need time to mature. To win support for major matters, it has been useful to discuss the issues at a board meeting before a final proposal is presented for decision. This discussion has given the board the opportunity to put forward views that can be taken into account in the basis for the decision/the proposed solution.
What do you hope to contribute as a board member?
I believe and hope that, with my background from leadership roles in various companies with international value chains, I can contribute in several areas. In particular, I would highlight my knowledge of the challenges involved in creating environmentally, socially and financially sustainable value chains, and my experience of major transformations in demanding times, both in downturns and in periods of growth. At the same time, I am commercially minded and able to analyse and assess risk and financial consequences.
If you would like to hear more about Anne or any of our other board candidates, feel free to contact us.
