HR Forum 2025 - Live Stream

Iver B. Neumann is the director of the Fridtjof Nansen Institute. He holds a PhD on Russia from the University of Oxford and has previously been a professor at the University of Oslo and the London School of Economics. His 35 books focus on Russia, diplomacy, and geopolitics.

Geopolitical Uncertainty and Upheaval: What Does It Mean for Us in the North?

For leaders and HR professionals, it's crucial to understand the broader context, what influences us and how these geopolitical shifts affects our priorities and areas of focus. This includes national and societal priorities, the opportunities and threats facing businesses, and the vital role that people, the workplace, and organizational development play in navigating change. What is the strategic importance of the Northern regions for international cooperation? Iver will outline the key trends and uncertainties, and explain how these developments impact our work priorities, expectations, and demands.

• How Geopolitical Shifts Affect HR Strategies and the Work Environment in Northern Europe
• The implications of developments in international cooperation, including NATO, and strengthened partnerships with British and German allies for HR leadership
• The Impact of Shifts in the US Geopolitical Focus on HR Challenges in European Organizations

Berna Oztinaz currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Genel Energy. In her role, she oversees Global HR, IT, and ESG functions. Berna is the first female President of the EAPM (European Association for People Management) and the first female board member representing Europe in the World Federation WFPMA. Berna has executive experience at companies STFA Holding, Enerjisa Holding, and Kordsa Global, where she managed various functions such as strategy, HR, brand management, industrial relations, business excellence, and culture transformation. Her dedication lies in leadership, strategy, sustainability, culture, and diversity and inclusion.

Navigating HR in Politically Turbulent Environments

With a global perspective and extensive experience across various industries and cultures, Berna is known for guiding organizations and supporting leadership teams through uncertain times and challenging transformations. She navigates diverse environments and conflict-affected areas, developing deep insight into how social unrest and migration impact HR practices across borders.

She will explore how HR and business leaders can:

• Address challenges from rising populism and political movements while maintaining diversity and inclusion
• Navigate social unrest and immigration issues in politically unstable regions
• Balance local sensitivities with global company goals to ensure employee well-being and organizational success

Bo Vialle-Derksen is a leading global voice in HR and workforce strategy. Founder of SyngularEdge. Faculty of the HR Strategy and Leadership Program at IE Business School and Nyenrode Business University. Co-author of The Best Version of Me: Boosting Your Well-Being. With a career spanning Fortune 500 environments, top-tier consulting at Deloitte, and research-driven insight from the Josh Bersin Company, Bo brings a rare fluency in the boardroom, HR as well as IT.

The Future of HR: Architecting Workforce 2030

As business models evolve and workforce expectations shift, HR is being called to lead, not just support, organizational transformation. In this practical, forward-looking session, Bo Vialle-Derksen will share how HR leaders can take a more strategic role in shaping a workforce that’s skilled, engaged, and ready for what’s next. This session is designed to help HR teams cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.

• The Big Trends Redefining HR: talent, learning, performance, and rewards, and how forward-thinking businesses are responding
• How to Create an Agile, Business-Aligned HR Function that Drives Results
• Prioritizing What Matters Most: practical guidance on where HR can create the most value right now

David Green is a leading expert in People Analytics, Co-Author of Excellence in People Analytics, and Director at Insight222 and myHRfuture.com. He is a sought-after conference speaker and the host of the Digital HR Leaders Podcast.

People Analytics in HR: Upskilling teams for data consultation

As People Analytics becomes increasingly critical to HR’s strategic role, it’s essential that HR teams are equipped with the right skills to consult with data effectively. In this session, David will share practical insights and concrete examples of how HR teams can leverage data to drive decision-making, improve workforce planning, and stay ahead of emerging trends. How can HR use data as a tool for better decision-making?

• Practical approaches to workforce planning and how HR can use data to shape the future workforce
• Trends in People Analytics, including AI and digitalization, and how they impact HR’s role
• How HR teams can build skills to become proactive advisors, not just reactive, when it comes to data analysis

Anne Flagstad, Executive Vice President of People and Sustainability at Statnett. With 30 years of experience as a leader, researcher, and consultant in organizational development, HR, and HSE, she has worked in both the public and private sectors. Anne Flagstad previously worked at Telenor, where she held various HR roles in the Nordic region and globally over 14 years. She holds a Ph.D. in Strategy and Organization from the Norwegian School of Economics (BI).

The Art of Involving Employees in Organizational Development

From listening to employees to activating them is a crucial shift in organizational development. The biggest challenge is not just deciding on the right actions but ensuring those actions deliver real impact. Too often, this gap exists because employees are not sufficiently involved in identifying what needs to be done and how to achieve the desired outcomes. Anne Flagstad and Birgitte Løhren share insights from a Statnett project that engaged over 2,000 employees. They emphasize practical implementation, measurable results, and key lessons learned.

• How to include employee activiation in organization development
• How to organize organizational development processes with wide employee involvement
• Learnings on implementation and avoiding pitfalls

Birgitte Løhren is the Director of Organizational Development and Competence at Statnett. With extensive experience as a Senior Human Resources Advisor in the energy industry, she brings a strong track record in HR consulting, performance management, leadership, and employee relations. Birgitte holds a Master's degree in Leadership and Organizational Psychology from BI Norwegian Business School.

The Art of Involving Employees in Organizational Development

From listening to employees to activating them is a crucial shift in organizational development. The biggest challenge is not just deciding on the right actions but ensuring those actions deliver real impact. Too often, this gap exists because employees are not sufficiently involved in identifying what needs to be done and how to achieve the desired outcomes. Anne Flagstad and Birgitte Løhren share insights from a Statnett project that engaged over 2,000 employees. They emphasize practical implementation, measurable results, and key lessons learned.

• How to include employee activiation in organization development
• How to organize organizational development processes with wide employee involvement
• Learnings on implementation and avoiding pitfalls

Volker Jacobs is the CEO and Founder of TI People, specializing in optimizing workplace productivity and employee experiences through data-driven approaches and AI in HR. Volker serves on several boards, including Insight222 and FOUNT Global, and has held leadership roles at CEB (now Gartner) and on.valco. His expertise includes AI integration, digital transformation, and workforce analytics.

The future of HR in an AI-driven world

How AI can eliminate friction in HR, improve productivity and engagement, while reducing turnover and sick leave? Volker Jacobs will share insights from a research initiative where 15 European companies co-created an AI tool to predict the future of HR. He will discuss how HR can leverage artificial intelligence to reduce friction, boost productivity, and enhance employee engagement, while avoiding fragmented AI implementations.

• The challenges of fragmented AI adoption in HR and the need for a cohesive strategy
• Insights from TI People’s unique research initiative.
• Practical advice for HR leaders on how to build an AI-powered HR function with clear milestones and priorities

Birger Steen is the CEO of NORSAR, a globally leading seismology research institute in Kjeller, Norway. He holds a master’s degree in finance from INSEAD, a master’s in Computer Science from NTH. He has held executive and non-executive roles in Microsoft, Schibsted, Scandinavia Online, McKinsey, Parallels, Nordea, Nordic Semiconductor, Freyr, Pagero, and other growth companies across technology and finance in the US, Russia, Scandinavia, and Europe.

Cold War II: What we need to do differently as executives and people leaders

Most likely, you grew up as a professional and a leader during the unprecedented 30-year period of relative peace and prosperity that started in the early 90s. This golden age is now irrevocably over. Whether we choose to call the new reality “Cold War II” or something else, we all need to update our situational awareness, our moral compasses and some of our ways of working in response. Birger Steen will connect the new geopolitical context with the everyday responsibilities of HR professionals, executives and board members, and suggest some tradeoffs you need to start working on with your team back at work on Monday, if you have not already done so.

• Business and public sector shaped Cold War I; leaders must safeguard democracies
• Reassess ERM, ESG, recruiting, talent, and DEI
• HR guides tradeoffs and ensures psychological safety

Katarina Berg is the Chief Human Resources Officer at On and the author of the book Bold. She has extensive experience as an HR leader in international companies, including over a decade as Global Head of HR at Spotify. There, she played a key role in the company’s transformation from a startup to a publicly listed tech company. She has previously held leadership positions at Preem, Swedbank, and Kanal 5. Katarina is particularly focused on culture, transformation, and building inclusive workplaces where people can grow and perform at their best.

Bold cultures don't happen by accident

Everyone talks about culture. Many claim to know how to build it, but only a few have actually done it - at scale, for real, and with lasting impact. Building bold, resilient cultures takes more than inspiring words or catchy values on the wall. It demands the hard-earned mix of experience, know-how, and unapologetic boldness.

Join Katarina Berg, former CHRO of Spotify, author of BOLD, and now CHRO of On, as she shares insider lessons from scaling one of the world’s most recognised culture-driven companies. In conversation with Anne-Marie Andric, Senior HR Advisor, the keynote will challenge common assumptions and explore what it truly means to lead with courage, resilience, and impact.

• Expect honest reflections and practical insights

• Interactive Q&A

Because culture isn’t a buzzword. It’s the difference between companies that play it safe - and those that truly change the game.

Anne-Marie Andric has over 25 years of experience as an HR leader in international growth companies across various industries. She has held key roles at companies such as Microsoft, iZettle/PayPal, and Husqvarna Group, and currently serves as Chief People Officer at Elevate, Verdane. From autumn 2025, she will launch her own advisory business, focusing on culture, leadership, and organisational development. Anne-Marie is also a co-founder of the HR network HR the Real Deal and host of the programme HR Over the Counter. She is passionate about developing strong cultures, engaged employees, and future-oriented employers.

Bold cultures don't happen by accident

Everyone talks about culture. Many claim to know how to build it, but only a few have actually done it - at scale, for real, and with lasting impact. Building bold, resilient cultures takes more than inspiring words or catchy values on the wall. It demands the hard-earned mix of experience, know-how, and unapologetic boldness.

Join Katarina Berg, former CHRO of Spotify, author of BOLD, and now CHRO of On, as she shares insider lessons from scaling one of the world’s most recognised culture-driven companies. In conversation with Anne-Marie Andric, Senior HR Advisor, the keynote will challenge common assumptions and explore what it truly means to lead with courage, resilience, and impact.

• Expect honest reflections and practical insights

• Interactive Q&A

Because culture isn’t a buzzword. It’s the difference between companies that play it safe - and those that truly change the game.

Georg von Krogh is a Professor at ETH Zurich, specializing in Strategic Management and Innovation, where he emphasizes the central role of HR professionals in driving company-wide transformation. He chairs the Global Advisory Board, advising on international strategy, and holds positions on several boards, including the Research Council of Norway, the University of Vienna, and ETH Zurich's AI Center. Additionally, he leads the Public Interest Committee at PWC Switzerland.

How Companies can Succeed in a Transformational World: Boosting Innovation Enabled by HR

Companies must be innovative to succeed, but it is not enough to simply launch new products and services. Successful companies must also rejuvenate their processes and structures, moving HRM (Human Resource Management) from the periphery to the core of successful innovation. George Von Krogh will explain how approaches to innovation have evolved, from focusing on internal processes to a modern approach that develops creative talent - both internally and externally.

• Innovation in companies, extensive consulting experience, and hands-on practice.
• Different approaches to innovation and why innovation drives financial performance of companies
• Why opening up innovation is crucial for competitiveness
• How HR can shape and sustain innovation

Andreas Segrov serves as Vice President of Culture and Organisational Development at Statkraft, Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy (6,000 employees spanning 20 countries). With a foundation in clinical psychology, Andreas has worked as a management consultant at Implement Consulting Group and EY. On LinkedIn, Andreas shares his insights through “The Monday Tip”, a weekly series offering actionable advice on topics like productivity, AI, teamwork, and organisational learning.

Why do HR-project fail? And how can we solve it?

Many HR projects demand substantial investments of money, time, and energy, yet numerous HR organizations find it challenging to change their approach to projects. The root causes often include a lack of clear prioritization and flawed project design, accompanied by insufficiently committed resources. More time is frequently spent updating steering committees and stakeholders than on delivering real value. In this presentation, Andreas Segrov, will explore practical and inspirational examples of how HR projects can be designed more effectively.

• Impact: How to design for impact and engage stakeholders in a way that differs from traditional project management
• Flow: How to create flow in the project by redefining project milestones and stakeholder interactions
• Leadership: Key elements in project leadership and their significance for HR leaders

Kjersti Nystad Skeie holds a degree in business administration from Canada and has over 20 years of experience in HR and leadership. For the past seven years, she has had the privilege of leading People & Business Support at Kongsberg Maritime. In addition to People, she holds overall responsibility for Safety & Emergency Preparedness, Communications, Compliance, HSE, and Quality.

How can HR become a central driving force in corporate strategy?

HR has often been a topic discussed alongside the business agenda. This is due to challenges in measuring HR's value and the tendency for HR departments to operate in their own silos with limited focus on business goals and the company's end customers. In recent years, Kongsberg Maritime has been working to establish a business-focused People team and has succeeded in integrating HR closely into core operations. Kjersti Nystad Skeie will share practical experiences from this process, along with examples of tools that help position business-oriented HR as a central part of the company's strategy.

• Transforming HR from a sideline activity to a central part of business strategy
• Active role rotation: How rotation in HR roles enhances understanding and synergies across the company
• Value creation: What impact does HR actually have on the external customer experience? Our claim is: very significant.

Mette Buhl Christoffersen leads Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Danske Bank’s COO area. With a strong background in both technology and human resources, she combines strategic insight with practical solutions to create inclusive cultures and drive business performance.

Presentation on HR’s Strategic Role within the Organisation

Mette Buhl Christoffersen will delve into the pivotal role HR plays in shaping and transforming organizational culture, through the optimization of internal structures and the practice of responsive leadership. Drawing on Danske Bank’s practices, she will illustrate how HR not only supports, but also strategically partners with the business to achieve its ambitions and goals.

• Attendees will gain clear insight into how HR’s interconnected roles advance the company’s strategic agenda
• Insights from leading DEI initiatives that drive meaningful change and innovation
• Aligning diversity and inclusion with company goals boosts performance and improves both business success and customer satisfaction

Tor Haugnes is a historian and business economist with 22 years of experience in teaching, mentoring, and course/program development. He has lectured on economic history, ethics, and corporate social responsibility. Tor is known for his commitment to education, social responsibility, and communication. He is now responsible for developing the unique vocational school Neste steg!

Even Bolstad is the CEO of HR Norge, former president of EAPM, the European umbrella organization for HR associations in over 35 countries, and currently a board member of the global organization WFPMA. He has a professional background at the intersection of leadership, strategy, economics, and labor law. Even is particularly focused on how to achieve strong results for businesses through leading and developing the people and organizations they are part of.

Olav Hypher is the Director of Sustainability and Organization at NRK, and the Chairman of the Board at HR Norge. He joined NRK's senior management when the organizational division was established in 2019. Prior to this, he has many years of experience as a leader at Statkraft and Telenor, focusing on areas such as communication, sustainability, compliance, security, and HR. Olav holds an MBA in Strategic Management from NHH.