DNV Ensures Leadership Continuity With Interim Appointments Through August 2026

DNV Ensures Leadership Continuity With Interim Appointments Through August 2026

(IN BRIEF) DNV has confirmed interim leadership changes as Group President and CEO Remi Eriksen steps away temporarily to undergo cancer treatment. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen has been appointed Interim DNV Group President and CEO from 1 February to 31 August 2026, while Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria will serve as Interim CEO for the Maritime business area. The appointments are intended to ensure continuity in leadership and operations, with DNV maintaining its strategic direction and ongoing commitments during Eriksen’s absence.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 21-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV has announced interim leadership arrangements following the decision of Group President and CEO Remi Eriksen to take a temporary leave of absence while undergoing medical treatment. Eriksen was recently diagnosed with cancer and is expected to step away from his role for several months as he begins treatment, with an optimistic outlook for a full recovery.

To ensure continuity in leadership, DNV’s Board of Directors has appointed Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen to assume the role of Interim DNV Group President and CEO for a fixed period beginning on 1 February 2026 and running through 31 August 2026. Ørbeck-Nilssen currently serves as CEO of DNV’s Maritime business area and brings extensive experience within the organization to the interim position.

During this same period, Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, currently Chief Operating Officer for Maritime, will take on the role of Interim CEO for the Maritime business area. The interim appointments are intended to maintain operational stability and ensure uninterrupted delivery of services to customers and partners across DNV’s global activities.

The Board of Directors expressed strong support for Remi Eriksen during this period and reaffirmed its confidence in the interim leadership team. The transition is designed to preserve DNV’s strategic direction, priorities, and long-term commitments while Eriksen focuses on his treatment and recovery.

The interim leadership has emphasized that DNV’s strategy remains unchanged and that the organization will continue to operate with the same focus on quality, performance, and stakeholder engagement throughout the leadership transition.

Media contact:

Ulrike Haugen
Chief Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Group
Ulrike.Haugen@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV