"I am very pleased that Bjørn Erik Næss has decided to join us. He has broad industry experience and a distinguished professional background," commented Group President and CEO Inge K Hansen in Aker Kvaerner.
Aged 49 and a Norwegian citizen, Bjørn Erik Næss has been Executive Vice President and CFO of Carlsberg Breweries A/S since 2000. This Danish based beverage group with global activities had operating revenues of DKK 47 billion (approx USD 7.7 billion) in 2003.
In the period 1995-2000 Næss was Senior Vice President and CFO of Norway's Orkla group, one of Norway's largest companies with activities within branded consumer goods, chemicals and financial investment sectors with the Nordic region as its home market. Næss graduated from Norges Handelshøyskole (Norwegian School of Business and Administration) in 1979.
Næss will assume his new position no later than 1 October.
"With Bjørn Erik on board, our executive management team will be complete," Inge K. Hansen said. "Finn Berg Jacobsen has been acting CFO since the end of 2003, a role he has performed in a very satisfactory way. Amongst his tasks in this period, was the NOK 5.5 billion refinancing of the group, which was successfully completed in April. Berg Jacobsen will now be relieved of his double role, and allowed to focus all his energy on his Chief of Staff responsibilities."
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Media:
Geir Arne Drangeid, SVP Group Communications, Aker Kværner ASA Tel: +47 913 10 458
Geir Arne Drangeid, SVP Group Communications, Aker Kværner ASA Tel: +47 913 10 458
Investor relations:
Lasse Torkildsen, VP Group Investor Relations, Aker Kværner ASA, Tel: +47 67 51 30 39
Lasse Torkildsen, VP Group Investor Relations, Aker Kværner ASA, Tel: +47 67 51 30 39
AKER KVÆRNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner span a number of industries, including Oil & Gas production, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately USD 4.5 billion and employs around 21,000 employees in more than 30 countries. The Aker Kvaerner group consists of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA.
This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com