DNV names Annika Nevaste as CEO of DNV Cyber to drive global growth in safeguarding critical infrastructure

DNV names Annika Nevaste as CEO of DNV Cyber to drive global growth in safeguarding critical infrastructure

(IN BRIEF) DNV has appointed Annika Nevaste as CEO of DNV Cyber, its fast-growing cybersecurity services business formed in 2024 from the merger of Nixu, Applied Risk, and DNV. Nevaste joins from Google Cloud, where she led the Nordic Digital Natives business, and brings more than two decades of experience in cybersecurity, cloud, AI, and digital transformation. She will be based in Helsinki. With over 500 experts operating in 11 countries, DNV Cyber provides critical infrastructure organisations with services across governance, prevention, detection, and response. Both Nevaste and Liv Hovem, CEO of DNV’s Accelerator business unit, emphasized the company’s commitment to building resilience and trust in critical systems, with Nevaste positioned to lead the next stage of growth.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 20-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ —  DNV, the independent assurance and risk management provider, has named Annika Nevaste as Chief Executive Officer of its rapidly expanding cybersecurity business, DNV Cyber. Nevaste brings more than 20 years of international leadership experience in technology services, covering cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

Nevaste joins from Google Cloud, where she oversaw the Digital Natives business in the Nordic region, helping fast-growing companies scale securely. Based in Helsinki, she previously held senior roles at both Google and IBM, leading cybersecurity and technology businesses across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Her appointment reflects DNV’s ambition to become a global leader in safeguarding critical infrastructure against rising cyber risks.

“Cybersecurity is not just a technical imperative, it’s a strategic enabler of trust, resilience, and growth,” Nevaste said. “It is an honour to lead an organisation with such strong expertise in cybersecurity and industrial systems, as well as a clear mission to protect life, property, and the environment. Together with our talented team of more than 500 experts, I look forward to building on our foundation and helping customers navigate the evolving cyber risk landscape with confidence.”

DNV Cyber was established in 2024 through the merger of three specialist organisations: Nixu, a trusted Nordic cybersecurity partner; Applied Risk, an expert in industrial and operational technology security; and DNV. The combined business now operates in 11 countries with a global client base and strong presence in Northern Europe.

Liv Hovem, CEO of The Accelerator, DNV’s division focused on scaling businesses in strategic markets, welcomed Nevaste’s arrival: “Annika’s track record in scaling technology-driven businesses and her deep understanding of cybersecurity and customer needs make her an excellent choice to lead DNV Cyber into its next phase of growth. We are committed to becoming the most trusted voice in accelerating resilience across critical infrastructure, and Annika will be central to achieving that ambition.”

DNV Cyber supports critical infrastructure operators with a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services, from governance and prevention to detection and response. Its experts are focused on tackling today’s most pressing threats, including supply chain security, growing regulatory demands, IT and OT convergence, cloud migration, and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence.

Media Contact:

Christian Parker
Brand and Communications Manager, Cybersecurity and Digital Health

SOURCE: DNV