Meet our Chair: Karl-Petter Løken

Løken currently serves as Secretary General of the Norwegian Football Federation and brings more than 30 years of experience from the oil and gas industry, including as Chief Executive Officer of Kværner. He holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

As Chair, Løken looks forward to supporting Gassco's role in ensuring safe and efficient transport of Norwegian gas to Europe.

– Gassco plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient transport of Norwegian gas to Europe. I am honoured to take on the role as Chair of the Board and look forward to working closely with the Board and management to support the company’s important mission and future development,” says Karl-Petter Løken.

From the FIFA World Cup to Gassco

This summer, Løken spent several weeks in the United States with the Norwegian national football team during the FIFA World Cup in his role as Secretary General of the Norwegian Football Federation.

– The summer has been fantastic. As General Secretary, I spent the entire time with the Norwegian football team in the US. However, getting reports, videos and pictures of what this did to Norway as a country was overwhelming.

Løken has worked in both operating companies and supplier companies throughout his career and believes this experience will be valuable in his new role.

– I have been privileged to work both in oil companies and supplier companies, including as CEO of Kvaerner. Thirty years in the industry has given me broad knowledge that I hope will benefit Gassco. I have also worked with Gassco on several occasions over the years.

Looking ahead, Løken emphasises the importance of Gassco's role for both Norway and Europe.

– Gassco is a very important company for Norway and for Europe, supplying natural gas to millions of Europeans. I hope to contribute to ensuring that Gassco continues to deliver important energy according to expectations from both the Norwegian authorities and not least the countries receiving Norwegian gas.

– Further, I hope to play a small part in maintaining Gassco as a good and preferred place to work.

– Continuous improvement

Although football and energy infrastructure may seem very different, Løken believes there are lessons that apply across industries.

What can businesses learn from top-level sport?

– Looking for improvement all the time.

With extensive industry experience and a strong focus on continuous improvement, Løken brings valuable perspectives to the Board as Gassco continues its work to ensure reliable energy deliveries to Europe and further develop the company for the future.