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Gro Brækken
Gro Brækken in 2010.

Gro Merete Brækken (born December 8, 1952) is a Norwegian business leader. She is known for her many years of experience in different industries. These include oil, natural gas, shipbuilding, banking, and helping organizations. She has held important jobs in both Norwegian and international companies.

Early Life and School

Gro Brækken was born in Narvik, Norway. She grew up in different cities like Mo i Rana, Moss, and Trondheim. In 1975, she finished her studies at the Norwegian Institute of Technology. She earned a master's degree in Chemical Engineering. This means she learned how to design and improve chemical processes.

Her Career Journey

Gro Brækken has worked in many different fields and held various leadership roles.

Starting Out

She began her career at Norske Shell from 1976 to 1982. After that, she worked at Statoil in Stavanger from 1982 to 1988. There, she was in charge of gas sales.

Leading Companies

From 1988 to 1990, Gro was the CEO (Chief Executive Officer, or boss) of Ulstein International. This company designed ships. Her job was to handle ship design, sales, and marketing around the world.

Later, she worked at Den norske Bank (a bank) from 1990 to 1994. She was a regional manager in Oslo, helping people with their personal banking.

Working for Businesses

In 1994, Gro joined the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO). This is a big organization that helps Norwegian businesses. She was a Deputy Managing Director. She worked on important topics like taxes, trade rules, the environment, education, and research. She stayed there until 1999.

Helping Children and Energy

From 1999 to 2009, Gro Brækken was the Secretary-General of Save the Children in Norway. This is a non-profit group that helps children. During her time, the money they raised doubled. She also helped the Norwegian branch join a bigger international group.

In 2010, she became the CEO of the Norwegian Oil and Gas association. This group represents companies working with oil and gas in Norway. She held this job until 2015.

From 2016 to 2023, Gro was the Managing Director of the Norwegian Institute for Board Members. This organization helps people who serve on company boards.

Being on Boards

Gro Brækken has also been a member of many different company boards and committees. Being on a board means helping guide a company or organization. Some of her roles included:

  • Being a board member for Kitron ASA (since 2015).
  • Being the Deputy Chair for Duvi Pensjon (since 2017).
  • Chairing the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (2015-2023).
  • Chairing the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation (2015-2022).
  • Being a board member for Cambi AS (2010-2023).
  • Being a board member and later Chair for the Norwegian Refugee Council (1997-1999). This group helps refugees.

Personal Life

Gro Brækken lives in Oslo, Norway. She is married to Ingvald Fergestad. They have three children.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gro Brækken para niños

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