Erling Hoftun

Background

About Erling Hoftun

Generalist with an IT background and 40+ years of experience from various managerial and advisor positions. Passionate about people and about strengthening our region! I have worked as a Consultant, Support Manager, had numerous assignments in Borealis and different KAM, manager and advisor roles in EVRY. In 2020, I started up as an independent advisor. Some roles stand out more than others. I was responsible for Resource Mngmt of 130 IT employees from seven different countries in Borealis and by that part of the corporate IT Management Team. A lot of travelling, cultural challenges and dealings with HR and local management. And a lot of fun! I led an outstanding team of Project Managers and Security & Risk Advisors in EVRY. Working with this group of highly skilled people through both good and tough times was a real honor. In both these roles I was able to use and develop what I see as my strength as a leader; being a "coach" more than a detailed oriented boss. People know best, but they do not always know that they know! On top of my different assignments I have normally had an administrative role. This has given me a deep insight in everything from “hiring to firing”. E.g. after the sellout of Borealis' plant in Norway to Ineos in 2007, I led the effort of transferring all the Norwegian IT employees to IS Partner. I'm so proud of having helped securing jobs for 29 fine colleagues! One of the goals of establishing EVRY Grenland as a separate unit in 2012 was to increase our local presence and increase the standing of the region. Hence we contributed actively in establishing Trainee Telemark. I have held a Board position there since 2014, and in 2023 I was elected Chairman of the Board. I have also had a seat in the Board of ICT Telemark, a cluster of IT companies in the region - and chaired it from 2016 to 2021. This cluster is today part of Powered by Telemark. I really think that these associations have contributed to an increased activity level in the region. And, they have helped me build a very strong network. From 2020 to 2022 I held a Board position in Akeo AS. In the fall of 2020, I was temporary CEO until the new CEO was in place in February 2021. In January 2022 I entered the Board of a start-up called Tvillingfabrikken AS, now Twilligent AS. Together with the brilliant people there we are on a journey that is very challenging, interesting and extremely fun. I aim to continue participating in this adventure for a long time!