Contact
CEO and Chairman of the divisions with extensive financial expertise
As CEO Åsmund Bjørndal Heen is also Chairman of the Board of the Real Estate, Automotive, Industry and Marine divisions. Before taking over as CEO, he was CFO of Frydenbø Group. His first job was at London Business School, before moving to Sparebanken Vest and gaining 12 years of experience in various roles within risk management, investments and most recently as Head of Treasury.
Master's degree from Skema Business School, with an Executive MBA in Finance from NHH. Extensive board experience from investment and other activities.
Among the highlights of Åsmund's career;
- Central to Frydenbø's transition from industrial group to investment group
- Been involved in a number of purchases, sales and restructurings in the Frydenbø Group since 2019
- Long-time Chairman of the Board of Sarsia Seed Fund I, which became the most successful seed fund in NorwayExtensive finance and management experience
Efficient CFO with a focus on financial integrity and technological innovation
As CFO, Tore Botnen's primary tasks are to ensure good financial management and support investment processes through the use of data and smart technology. He is also responsible for the Group's IT strategy and reporting solutions.
Master of Science in Physics and Mathematics from NTNU and has a solid background with six years of experience as a consultant at PwC, before he moved on to Frydenbø in 2018.
Among the highlights of Tore's career;
- Central to the Group's significant growth and value development through effective balance sheet management and financial strategies
- Key role in the development of innovative mobility solutions, which have contributed to the Group's future growth potential
- Led the transformation of Frydenbø into a data-driven group, where decision-making processes are improved through insightful data analytics
- Key resource for successful IRB application process for several Norwegian banks
Broad experience from restructuring and development of companies, both operationally related and at a strategic level
As Investment Director, Arne Kjetil works with investment opportunities for Frydenbø with the main emphasis on the marine industry. Arne Kjetil enjoys working together with management and owners to develop companies and find opportunities with an analytical approach.
Master of Science in Business and Economics from BI with specialization in accounting and tax. Started his career at EY, and eventually gained broad operational and management experience over 25 years in a number of industries such as subsea and offshore, shipyards, industry, marine, automotive and the media industry. Everything from start-up companies to publicly traded companies; companies in restructuring and growth.
Broad board experience as a board member and chairman from over 20 companies.
Among the highlights of Arne Kjetil's career;
- Led Frydenbø's Car Division where the company went from being one of Norway's largest Volvo dealers to becoming one of Norway's largest car groups with Volvo, Polestar, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen in the brand portfolio
- Over 10 years of experience in private equity and family offices – everything from early phase to mature companies in many industries
- Been a partner/owner and analyst small company in market analysis of the subsea, supply ship and rig industries that are currently part of S&P Global
Strategic Investment Manager with a focus on data-driven development and effective risk management
As Investment Manager at Frydenbø, Preben works to identify and develop investment opportunities. He is also responsible for the Group's risk management, and assists companies in the Frydenbø Group with process optimisation and facilitation of good management information.
Master in Management from EADA Business School. From his time at Deloitte, Preben has worked extensively with Enterprise Performance Management, process optimization and system implementation.
Among the highlights of Preben's career;
- Central to Frydenbø's transformation into a data-driven group, with the goal of improving decision-making processes through insightful data analyses.
- Supported several companies with their financial transformation towards more Integrated Planning and Reporting and good governance models
- Implemented multiple data and analytics solutions to support the use of detailed and precise management information
Chairman of the board and 3rd generation owner in industrial group with diversified portfolio
Knut Herman Gjøvaag started as general manager of Frydenbø Holding in 1993 and has since 2022 had an active role as owner and chairman of the board of the company. Graduated as from NHH.
Throughout his years in the Frydenbø Group, Knut Herman has;
- Established Frydenbø's first car center in 1994 and positioned the company among Western Norway's fastest growing car dealers
- Expanded the property portfolio by 100,000 sqm with commercial properties close to the city centre in Bergen and Dr. Holms Hotel in Geilo
- Expanded the company's maritime industry focus with a number of strategic acquisitions, including Sabb Motor, Brødrene Larsen, Schottel (15.24%), as well as important locations north along the Norwegian coast, in Møre, Troms and Finnmark
- Established Frydenbø Marine and acquired Nordkapp Boats with production of the brands Nordkapp, Airborne and Sting in a self-owned factory in Poland. In addition, a separate company, Frydenbø Milpro, has been established for deliveries to the professional market
- Established Frydenbø NXT and Frydenbø Global with a focus on innovation and international expansion
Made with Visme
Strategic leader with a focus on organic growth and human development
As CEO of Frydenbø Bil, Olav is responsible for leading and developing the Group's automotive division. With an education in management and experience from the Armed Forces, Olav started his career in Frydenbø as early as 2008. Through his extensive experience with the automotive division, he has played a pivotal role in professionalizing and consolidating the business, achieving significant organic growth.
As a leader, Olav is keen to explore new and smarter ways of working, and has demonstrated how different thinking can surpass traditional methods.
Among the highlights of Olav's career;
- Strong goal- and people-oriented leadership towards a team-based organizational structure has helped to consolidate forces towards common goals and has fostered both individual and organizational success.
- 2 x Gazelle company, underlining his ability to drive outstanding results and develop robust teams that deliver high on customer satisfaction, even during periods of extreme growth.
CEO with a focus on interaction, results and innovation
As CEO of Frydenbø Eiendom, Christine Flataker Johannessen is responsible for managing and creating value in Frydenbø's property portfolio.
Christine is a lawyer from the University of Bergen and has 16 years of experience in the public transport industry. She has held roles as Director of Business Development, Commercial Director and CEO of the country's second largest bus company. Is an experienced, result-oriented top manager with a strong ability to execute and focus on good relationships. Christine has been in Frydenbø since August 2023.
Among highlights of Christine's career;;
- Key role in Tide Buss' growth in the period 2012-2023
- Doubled commercial turnover during the period as Commercial Director of Tide Buss
- Top Ten Young Leader of the Year (Assessit)
Experienced leader with broad maritime expertise and international insight
As CEO of Frydenbø Marine, Trond is responsible for leading and developing the Group's Marine Division. Trond has over 30 years of experience from the maritime business, both in the leisure sector and the commercial part of the industry. Over these years, he has built up a good knowledge of the industry both nationally and internationally. Trond holds a degree in Business Administration from the Norwegian Business Academy.
Experienced industry leader with almost 30 years in the maritime sector and international market expertise.
As CEO of Frydenbø Maritime Industries, Per Jarle Røyrvik is also chairman of the board of the subsidiaries of Frydenbø Industri. Has worked in various roles in Frydenbø for almost 30 years, as a manager from 2001. Through almost 30 years of experience from the maritime industry, Per Jarle has good knowledge of this industry both nationally and internationally.
Bachelor's degree from BI in economics with a specialization in international marketing.
