Simen is SSG’s Country Sales Manager in Norway

How would you describe yourself?

I think that’s probably one of the hardest questions to answer. That said, I consider myself to be a very social person. And I hope that those I meet notice that. I enjoy meeting new people and am curious by nature. I am always interested to learn about other people’s work situations and challenges.

Besides that, I probably live a fairly normal Svensson life, with a wonderful wife and two fantastic children. And if I have time left over, I enjoy playing golf.

What challenges do you see as the most important for industry in Norway and how can SSG help solve them?

It’s a big and complex issue, but I think Norwegian industry is facing much of the same challenges as the industrial sector in Europe. I think the green transition, where everyone has to focus on the environment and sustainability, is something that is being discussed a lot internally in many sectors, and perhaps especially in industry. Everyone knows where the finish line is, but the way there is not always easy.

Furthermore, I am also quite certain that skills development is high on the list of things that need to be focused on even more in the coming years for many industries and sectors. I think there’s a lot of positive things happening in Norwegian industry, and a lot is probably already in place at many companies. But there’s one thing I don’t think you can ever fully learn about, and that’s HSE (Health, Safety and Environment). After more than ten years in the construction industry, I have both witnessed and read about events that should never have happened.

HSE is so much more than wearing the right work clothes for the right type of work, much more than having read through and accepted what is required from the individual operator. It’s about the bigger picture. It’s not just about the individual, it’s about their social life. I have often thought about how awful it must be to be the person who has to call someone’s relatives and tell them that an accident has happened. But also, to be the person on the other end of the line. I shudder at the thought.

So yes, HSE work is probably our most important purpose. We want to be the industry’s partner, to ensure the safety of everyone on a work site. Whatever your title, whatever the job you do. I strongly believe that SSG’s services and solutions can contribute to a better everyday life for many Norwegian industrial sites.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

There is a lot I look forward to in this role and my work. But what I’m perhaps most looking forward to is being part of something bigger. It feels reassuring and satisfying to be able to say that you are working to ensure and safeguard other people’s working lives. It propels me. At the same time, I am excited about establishing a forward-looking and serious company like SSG here in Norway. My goal is to be able to say, “At SSG, we are the best friend of the HSE manager, HR manager and workers. We are here for you.”