Welcome to our series of interviews presenting our talented 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 board candidate Runar Nilsen
Runar Nilsen is an experienced business leader with experience from a wide range of industries, in both listed and private companies, in roles ranging from board chair and board member to operational leader as CEO, CFO and CRO (Chief Restructuring Officer).
Runar has a background in IT as well as in economics, specialising in logistics and international business, and has completed a number of leadership development programmes.
Over the past 25 years Runar has held a number of senior executive positions and board seats, both in Norway and internationally, and for the past five years he has led a global business with offices in 38 countries from its head office in London.
What motivates you to serve on a board?
The opportunity to influence owners and management and help them succeed, drawing on broad experience.
What do you think are the most important qualities of a good board candidate?
More important than focusing only on the individual board candidate is looking at the total expertise of the board as a collective. A critical quality is the ability to listen and work towards decisions that are better than what any one person could achieve alone.
What is your philosophy on board work?
Finding a balance between the statutory control role and assisting and challenging management on strategy, planning and development, as well as ensuring preparedness for unforeseen events. And then it is about getting to know the company well and being well prepared for good discussions.
How would you like people to describe you after a board meeting?
As a well-prepared, constructive and value-creating contributor who brings input and fresh thinking.
What is the most valuable lesson you have taken from your previous board experience?
That board chairs can be decisive for how a board functions overall. That it is not about “sitting” on the board but working on the board, and that the best boards are those where management does not spend 90% of the time presenting PowerPoint slides.
What do you hope to contribute as a board member?
Helping to create value, and being an active resource who contributes to development and safeguards the interests of both the company and its owners in the best possible way.
Do you need new board members? Get in touch!
