AION

AION AS, a subsidiary of Aker ASA, focuses on sustainable business model innovation aligned with Aker BioMarine's ESG goals for circular plastic waste streams. Aker ASA, the largest shareholder in 9 companies on the Oslo Stock Exchange, had a 2022 turnover of NOK 200 billion and employs 35,000 people.

Key responsibilities:

Develop and execute go-to-market (GTM) strategies in a rapidly evolving and premature market, focusing on problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.
Leading the commercial team to drive strategic growth, expand into new markets, and lead international strategic B2B sales (primarily in Europe), while optimizing processes for scalability and market penetration through detailed analyses and competitive assessments.
Structure AION’s end-to-end commercial processes to enhance efficiency and drive revenue growth.
Implement sales and marketing strategies to target key markets with value propositions that resonate with AION’s target audience.
Manage agile tools for real-time performance monitoring against revenue targets and growth objectives.
Reporting to the CEO, and the Board of Directors on commercial performance and strategy as part of the Executive Management Team at AION.

Chief Commercial Officer

Boligsameiet Arctanders Hage

Involved in planning maintenance projects, contributing to budgeting and financial management, participating in decisions on shared facilities, and facilitating communication between residents, the board, and external suppliers.

Board Member

Culture Intelligence

The Culture Intelligence SaaS platform enables leaders to digitize and enhance organizational culture, directly impacting business performance.

Key responsibilities:

Developed an integrated growth strategy and provided strategic guidance across Sales, Marketing, Product-Led Growth (PLG), and Customer Success.
Led cross-functional teams to ensure scalable revenue growth and operational alignment.
Set the organization for optimized revenue growth across multiple sales and revenue channels while
enhancing the overall B2B buyer journey to ensure seamless engagement, driving retention and
revenue growth.
Part of the Executive Management team and reported to the CEO.

Key Achievements: Established a comprehensive commercial strategy, and framework for predictable growth across key markets, ensuring sustainable, long-term success through structured data-driven, and commercial processes.

Chief Growth Officer

GetAccept

GetAccept, a San Francisco-based SaaS company with Nordic roots, leads digital sales transformation through its Digital Sales Room, enhancing buyer engagement and win rates. Backed by DN Capital, BootstrapLabs, Y-Combinator, and Bessemer Venture Partners.

The company fosters a strong company culture focused on a growth mindset, people-first values, and cross-functional collaboration across all International countries in Europe and the US. By promoting knowledge sharing, we leveraged market insights to solve challenges, optimize our go-to-market strategy, and scale effectively while staying aligned globally and addressing local market needs.

Key responsibilities:

Launched and built GetAccept in Norway, driving scalable revenue growth through targeted initiatives and go-to-market strategies. 
Recruited, developed, and led a cross-functional commercial team through value-based leadership, fostering a people-first, growth-driven culture.
Focus on strategic B2B sales, strategic partnerships and business development efforts to expand market reach. 
Managed daily operations with P&L responsibility, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with growth objectives. 
Reported to the Chief Sales Officer, Europe, and the CEO as part of the European Sales
Management Team.

Key Achievements: Achieved strong new customer acquisition, ARR growth, increased ACV, and expansion revenue, making Norway the first country outside Sweden to exceed $1M in ARR while maintaining an 85-90% retention rate. Secured key clients such as Telia, Schibsted, SATS, ABAX and Sparebank 1, with a 25-30% new business win rate.

Sales Director / Managing Director Norway 

The Walk Consulting

The Walk Consulting empowered commercial organizations to achieve lasting change by implementing tools and frameworks for sales, management, operations, and customer-centric sales and processes. This approach enhanced employee satisfaction, elevated customer experience, and increased revenue, focusing on helping people perform at their best, regardless of market conditions - "The Way of Work." 

Key responsibilities: 

Developed and executed The Walk Consulting’s go-to-market strategy with full P&L accountability, focusing on concept development, strategic B2B sales, financial planning, and operations. Built frameworks for commercial teams in sales and management, optimized sales structures, and crafted strategic plans to support and empower sales management, enhancing client experiences and employee satisfaction.

Key Achievements: Led commercial and operational strategies with a focus on sales and management support, achieving 30% and 20% growth for two clients, enhancing eNPS, and establishing sustainable commercial frameworks. Supported Enterprise clients like Telenor (SME segment, NOK 2.5 billion turnover) and Schibsted SME in growth and efficiency.

Equipped cross-functional commercial teams with the right tools, training, and leadership support, implementing integrated frameworks that aligned over 20 managers and 200 commercial professionals on key initiatives.

CEO & Founder

APSIS

APSIS provides scalable marketing solutions across the Nordics, specializing in email marketing, marketing automation, lead management, and e-commerce. Now part of Efficy, a fast-growing SaaS CRM company, it operates with 500+ employees across 18 European offices

Key responsibilities: 

Managed a high-performing team with value-based leadership, targeted training, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with company objectives. Led commercial growth, B2B sales, and operational efficiency to drive sustainable revenue in the Norwegian market. Developed sales strategies to increase revenue and market share, focusing on new customer acquisition, renewals, expansion revenue, and retention, while leading high-impact B2B initiatives. Actively engaged in operational analysis and sales processes to ensure strong alignment with business objectives
Part of the Norwegian management team reported to the Country Manager in Norway.

Key Achievements: Achieved significant expansion revenue, ARR growth, high retention rates, and solid new customer acquisition

Sales Manager Norway

Key responsibilities:

Managed daily operations across departments, ensuring alignment with growth and performance objectives. 
Led strategic and commercial activities in the Norwegian market, directly managing Direct Sales, Customer Success, Partner Sales, and Training Consulting. 
Managed financial planning, forecasting, and operational management to achieve strong commercial outcomes. 
Recruited and developed high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and growth-focused culture.
Part of the Nordic Management Group reported to the Director of International Sales.

Key Achievements: The Norwegian business unit exceeded 100% of its revenue target, with new revenue, renewals, and high retention rates. In Q1, the team set a record at 180-200% of the target, expanding revenue streams for sustainable growth in a competitive and emerging market.

Interim Country Manager Norway

Key responsibilities: 

Managed a high-performing team with value-based leadership, targeted training, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with company objectives. Led commercial growth, B2B sales, and operational efficiency to drive sustainable revenue in the Norwegian market. Developed sales strategies to increase revenue and market share, focusing on new customer acquisition, renewals, expansion revenue, and retention, while leading high-impact B2B initiatives. Actively engaged in operational analysis and sales processes to ensure strong alignment with business objectives
Part of the Norwegian management team reported to the Country Manager in Norway.

Key Achievements: Achieved strong new customer acquisition, ARR growth, expansion revenue, and high retention rate.

Modern Times Group MTG (Viasat AS)

Modern Times Group (MTG) was a global media company operating in free-TV, pay-TV, radio, and content production across four continents. Its Viasat Broadcasting division operated free and pay-TV channels on Viasat’s satellite platforms and third-party networks, also distributing content online. MTG, listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm, was a major shareholder in Russia’s CTC Media. In 2018, MTG spun off the Nordic Entertainment Group.

Managed outbound sales operations focused on expanding the existing customer base through upselling, retention, and win-back initiatives. Led a department with 50 FTEs and PTEs, including 6 team leaders and back-office functions. Developed leadership programs to enhance team performance and elevate customer satisfaction (CSAT), conducted business reviews, and utilized data analysis to optimize KPIs. Managed budget planning, financial forecasting, and aligned operations with corporate objectives to drive sustained growth
Reported to the Director of CRM and the TM/Customer Service Manager at Viasat AS.

Key Achievements: Led the department to a 200% YTD sales increase by enhancing performance and customer engagement. Improved retention with targeted strategies, driving sustained business growth

Department Manager for Outbound TM - CRM Viasat Sales Centre

Bas Kommunikasjon

This role required leading business reviews with executive management, delivering reports on revenue, and sales performance, and identifying areas for improvement. It involved managing financial operations, including budget planning and reporting, to optimize revenue growth.  

Key responsibilities: 

Managed Enterprise B2C accounts, including Modern Times Group, Storebrand, and Telia, focusing on optimizing revenue growth and customer satisfaction.
Developed and implemented leadership strategies that aligned with client goals, leading to successful execution and measurable results.
Responsible for leading and managing all of Bring Dialog’s Department managers who operate within in-house locations at client offices. 
Member of the Management team and reported to the Department Manager Relation Center (RC).

Key Achievements: Increased revenue growth through strategic leadership together with department managers, and relationship management with major B2C clients.

Key Account Manager

Modern Times Group (MTG) was a global media company operating in free-TV, pay-TV, radio, and content production across four continents. Its Viasat Broadcasting division operated free and pay-TV channels on Viasat’s satellite platforms and third-party networks, also distributing content online. MTG, listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm, was a major shareholder in Russia’s CTC Media. In 2018, MTG spun off the Nordic Entertainment Group.

Key responsibilities: 

Managed outbound sales operations focused on new customer acquisition and revenue growth through TV subscription and hardware sales. Led a department of 70 full-time and part-time employees, including 6 team leaders and back-office functions, operating in-house at Viasat AS. Responsible for recruitment and training initiatives for high-performing commercial teams, developed leadership programs, and conducted business reviews, KPI analysis, and financial forecasting to drive alignment with corporate objectives.
Member of the Management team and reported to the Department Manager Relation Centre (RC).

Key Achievement: Increased sales by 150% year-to-date by fostering a high-performance culture and applying operational and value-based leadership, with a focus on strategic direction and team empowerment to achieve sustained growth

Department Manager Newbiz - Viasat Sales Centre

Managed project planning, execution, and delivery, ensuring alignment with goals, timelines, and budgets. I implemented sales and leadership strategies, managed finances, and conducted progress reviews to identify improvements.

Key responsibilities: 

Led multiple B2B projects, managing sales and operations teams to ensure successful project delivery.
Managed financial planning and performance reviews, aligning operations with strategic business objectives.
Member of the Management team and reported to the Department Manager Relation Center (RC).

Key Achievement: Project completion through effective leadership and alignment with organizational goals.

Project Manager

This role required leading with a people-first mindset in a fast-paced B2C telemarketing environment. It involved ensuring operational focus and efficiency, managing team performance, and driving sales outcomes. 

Key responsibilities: 

Led the TM Outbound Sales team at Viasat AS, driving sales for TV subscriptions and hardware products.
Developed sales training programs, enhancing team performance and capabilities.
Recruited and managed a high-performing commercial team.
Prepared business reports, offering insights into KPIs and market trends for strategic decisions to the management.
Part of the Sales Management Team and reported to the Department Manager at Viasat AS. 

Key Achievements: Increased sales by 300% during my tenure through operational leadership and performance improvements.

Teamleader

As a sales representative, the role demanded adaptability to changing customer needs, strong communication skills, and managing high call volumes. Success relied on quickly building rapport, meeting sales targets, and contributing to a dynamic, goal-oriented team. The position required a people-first mindset in a fast-paced B2C telemarketing environment, focusing on driving sales while maintaining operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities: 

Focused on driving revenue growth through outbound sales efforts, meeting and exceeding personal sales targets.

Key Achievements: Achieved top sales performance by leveraging tailored sales strategies to optimize customer acquisition and satisfaction.

Sales Consultant

Eidsiva Energi

Eidsiva delivers critical infrastructure and services to two million people. Eidsiva, an energy and telecommunications group, ensures that Innlandet, Akershus, Østfold, and Oslo stay connected, providing electricity, heat, and internet services. Since 1894, they have been electrifying and advancing society. 

The Eidsiva Group consists of Elvia, Eidsiva Vekst, Eidsiva Bioenergi, Eidsiva Bredbånd, and the parent company, Eidsiva Energi.

Key responsibilities: 

Completed a Power System Engineer apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience in power systems operations and maintenance. Developed a solid foundation in energy distribution, system analysis, and engineering principles during this period, culminating in the attainment of a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Power System Engineer - Certificate Of Apprenticeship

Chief Commercial Officer @ AION by Aker BioMarine | Leadership | Growth | Strategy | Tech | Data-Driven Sales & Marketing |

Professional summary: Experienced leader in SaaS & tech.

Expertise in B2B sales, strategic growth, scalable revenue generation, and effective go-to-market (GTM) strategy execution. A dynamic leader with a “hands-on”, strategic approach and a holistic perspective on leadership, leveraging a diverse background in consulting, SaaS, technology, and the circular economy.

18 years of leadership experience
14 years of experience in strategic B2B sales (SaaS & tech)
10 years of experience in go-to-market (GTM) strategy
Member of management teams since 2007, with experience across Norway, Scandinavia, and Europe

Skilled in building and scaling cross-functional, high-performing teams, aligning company objectives with market opportunities, fostering collaboration, and driving growth and market expansion. A people-centered leader with strong problem-solving abilities, dedicated to delivering measurable and impactful outcomes.

Core competencies: Leadership, GTM strategy, commercial growth, B2B sales, business development, organizational development, project management & OKRs.

Personal qualities: Empathetic, strategic, customer-centric & market-focused, resilient, collaborative, analytical, adaptable, entrepreneurial, pragmatic, and data-driven decision-making.

Erik Holmen

AvantGarde Search

I am dedicated to sourcing the best talent within marketing, communication, and design for all my clients in Scandinavia. 

I take great pride in my work as a 360 recruiter, and I do this by working in a modern and agile manner. My main mantra that the client and the candidate are they key parts of the process, not the recruiter. Respecting the time and values of both client and candidates thought the process is key when working with connecting people.

Chief Talent Sourcer @ AvantGarde Serach 

Self-employed

Photographer and Project Manager 

Mora Water Systems

-Initial market research
-Coordinating and writing corporate blog, understanding trends and finding topics
-Recruitment, Start-up and team building of an international team. 
-Brand identity development

Marketing Production Coordinator

Freelance / Graphic Design Services

-Understand and deliver corrections and improvements required by the customer
-Investigate and implement new ways of postproduccion
-Plan and schedule the photographic work before during and after

Photographer

Hotel Feliz, Maxwell hotels

-Find, evaluate and hire varied providers of goods and services, 
-Obtain, coordinate and monitor construction licenses.
-Recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of personnel. With special focus on building a team with broad representation of cultural and native language backgrounds, catering to the hospitality Industry of Mallorca.
-Establishing work contracts and other legal issues

Project Leader, Junior Assistant Manager

Hotel Omm

-Establish, maintain, and nurture relationships with high profiled clients
-Create a pleasant, and positive environment both internally and externally
-Discuss, identify, and resolve social and professional issues with clientele
 and team members

Bartender

Sabre Corporation

-Understand ongoing problems and deliver immediate solutions
-Identify, analyze and demonstrate complex information with various
 solutions
-Knowing the key behind adult training and effective communication, keeping   
 concentration levels high

Virtual trainer, Client Service

With AvantGarde Search I am specialized in recruiting the best talent within marketing, sales, communications, and design for tech companies and agencies in Scandinavia.

This includes areas such as; Marketing | Management (CMO) | Digital marketing |Growth hackers & Growth managers |PR | Social media | Communications Content | Graphic Design | UX & UI Design. Beyond my specialization I have also successfully recruited talent for finance, operations and development positions. 

With experience from the start up world I am accustomed to a fast phase with ongoing changes thought the recruitment processes. I enjoy and thrive when working under high workload with clear targets. Therefore, I place a lot of emphasis on the startup phase of a new projects, investing time to understand the company's and the position's unique needs is key to finding the right candidates.

If your company is looking to hire new talent, I would very much welcome the opportunity to speak with you. 

AvantGarde Search aims to be the driver for more modern and agile recruitment processes, something that I implement in all my projects.

patricia@avantgardesearch.no | + 47 94 80 13 89 | www.avantgardesearch.no

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The Battle

Erik Holmen

Patricia V Riolfo

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