Bergen Group CEO and CFO accept permanent roles

Hans Petter Eikeland and Nils Hoff have both agreed to take permanent positions as the Bergen Group CEO and CFO, respectively.

Eikeland took the CEO role at the Norwegian services provider for offshore and maritime industry in August 2015, a position previously held by Asle Solheim, to establish a foundation for profitable growth in the Group’s continuing operations.

Nils Hoff became the CFO only two months earlier, succeeding Henning Nordgulen. Both were on a time-limited period of involvement, which expires
in June 2017, contributing to the restructuring and refinancing process.

Regarding his appointment as permanent CEO, Eikeland said: “I’m proud to continue working with employees who have proven their skills to deliver profitable operational activities in challenging times.

“Bergen Group now has a solid platform on which to create an exciting future that I believe will be characterized by a profitable growth.”

Apart from his CEO duties, Eikeland is also the company’s number four shareholder with 4.64 million shares in Bergen Group through the company Eikeland Holding AS.

Bergen chairman Tor Onarheim said: “The board is very pleased with Eikeland and Hoff continuing in permanent roles after the current period of involvement expires. The contribution from these two has been crucial for the successful outcome of the difficult refinancing and restructuring process which was completed in December 2016. The board is confident that these two are key persons to further develop the company according to our growth strategy.”

The company noted that Eikeland has leadership experience in offshore related activities. He was the CEO of Ability Drilling, Rig Manager and VP of Operations in Odfjell Drilling, and Rig Manager in Smedvig Drilling.

The company further said that Hoff has broad experience from various leading positions in both finance and industry. He has been CFO of Tandberg Data, Tandberg Storage, and the CFO of Data Invest (1998-2006). He also has extensive board experience, including the current position as a board director of Norske Skog.