Kristian Stapnes is new CCO at GMC

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Kristian Stapnes is the new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at GMC Holding AS

He comes from the role of Director of Project Logistics and Supply Base Logistics at Bring, where he has worked closely with oil and gas, defense and logistics, among other things. In this role, he has led a team of around 90 people. Before Bring, he has held several roles with a clear commercial focus, and with close cooperation with customers, partners and suppliers. He holds a Master of Science in Economics from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). Kristian is also not completely new to GMC. For the past three years, he has been a board member of GMC Marine Partner AS, and through this has gained good insight into the business and the group's plans and ambitions.

"I have been allowed to be a GMC supporter for three years as a board member of GMC Marine Partner, and have thus gradually become more of a fan. I have heard about the ambitions and plans for further growth, so when the opportunity came to take a more active role in GMC, it was very exciting," says Stapnes.

From the boardroom to a key role

For CEO Thomas Vang, it is a strength that Kristian already knows GMC from the inside.

"Kristian knows GMC from before, while also coming in with broad experience from a large organization. He has already gained insight into how we work, and now he has the opportunity to get to know the entire group and the people who drive the business even better," says Vang.

As CCO, Kristian will play a key role in working with customers and commercial development across the six operating companies in GMC.

"We have a lot of expertise and many talented people in our companies. An important task going forward will be to ensure that we utilize this even better across the group, while at the same time being close to our customers and understanding what they need," says Vang.

Will get to know the whole GMC

The first six months will primarily be about getting to know the six operating companies in GMC. Both what the companies deliver, the people who work there and how the businesses are run. At the same time, Kristian will spend a lot of time getting to know existing customers, potential customers and partners.

"I'm really looking forward to getting out and greeting customers, partners and potential customers. I want to listen to their needs and understand what we can do better," says Stapnes.

Integrity and "Consider it Done"

Stapnes also highlights integrity as an important part of how he wants to work with customers and partners.

"Integrity is a concept I support and identify with a lot. What I say, I must mean."

For him, this is also closely linked to GMC's "Consider itDone" mindset.

"If we say we're going to do something, we're going to do it. It's about being clear and keeping your promises."

Looking forward to further development at Hilleren

One of the initiatives Kristian is looking forward to following further is the development of GMC's newly established base at Hilleren in Bergen. The base is located in the immediate vicinity of Haakonsvern and is adapted for both civilian and military needs. GMC established the base as a new strategic location in Bergen to bring the group's maritime expertise closer to the Navy's main facility in Western Norway. For Kristian, Hilleren is one of several initiatives he will become better acquainted with in the future.

"There is a lot of exciting things happening at GMC, and I am looking forward to getting closer to the businesses, customers and people who make up the group," says Stapnes.

Welcome to GMC, Kristian!