What will it take to be relevant in the future?

Next month I am stepping into the role as President and CEO of Equinor. A huge honor and responsibility. Also, the most motivating challenge I have ever faced. We have a proud 48-year-long history. Many of our employees have been with us since the 1970s, and I know they are as proud as I am of what this company has achieved: turning natural resources into energy for people and progress for society.

We all know, however, that the business strategies of yesterday will not create an Equinor for the future. One question has been central for me since I accepted the responsibility of becoming Equinor’s next CEO: “What will it take for us in Equinor to succeed and to continue to be relevant in the future?”

A few weeks back, I shared this question with all my colleagues in Equinor. Employees and teams across the company engaged with inspiring and well-thought through insights over a wide range of issues, linking back to our three strategic pillars: Always Safe, High Value, Low Carbon.

Their responses focused on change. Change in terms of climate and sustainability. Change in terms of society’s expectations. And change in terms of energy, technology, capabilities and business models.

Across the discussion, there was a clear red thread: Equinor is eager and set to be an active player in society’s green transition. We will do this by concentrating on three areas: i) focus and improve within oil and gas, ii) accelerate the growth and become a leading company also within renewables, and iii) create a platform for growth within low-carbon solutions. We will leverage technology and innovation at scale to deliver progress in all areas.

I am proud to see the deep understanding my colleagues have for the challenges our industry and our societies are facing. It is especially inspiring to witness their willingness and drive to be part of the solution. Equinor has the vision, competence and technology to be a driving force in the low-carbon transition. Undoubtedly, changing times come with uncertainty. Yet, they are also an opportunity for something better. We have a legacy of turning challenges into success. And we will keep doing so.

Equinor is and will be an important part of Norwegian society and aspires to play a positive and transformational role in all countries where we operate. To this end, dialogue and collaboration are fundamental. And will be increasingly so in the years to come. I intend to actively engage in conversations both within and outside Equinor.

#dialogue #together #energyfuture