Nel ASA: Morten Holum appointed new Chief Executive Officer
2026-10-21 21:00:11
(October 21, 2026 - Oslo, Norway) The Board of Directors of Nel ASA (Nel, OSE:
NEL) today announces the appointment of Morten Holum as Chief Executive Officer
(CEO), succeeding Håkon Volldal. Having worked globally across the hydrogen
value chain for the past seven years, Morten Holum combines deep industry
knowledge with hands-on experience in hydrogen technologies, end-market
applications and regulatory frameworks, making him well positioned to lead Nel's
next phase of commercial development. Mr. Holum will assume his new role no
later than May 1, 2027. Kjell Christian Bjørnsen, Nel's CFO, will assume the
responsibilities of Interim CEO from November 1, 2026 until Holum starts.
Torbjørn Berg, VP Finance, will take the role as interim CFO.
Mr. Holum has served as President and CEO of Hexagon Purus since March 2020,
having joined Hexagon Composites as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer in 2019. He previously held the positions of CEO and CFO of Saferoad
Group, and has experience from Norske Skog, Norsk Hydro and American Airlines.
Mr. Holum holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Psychology from Østfold
University College and the University of Oslo, and an MBA from the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
"The Board is confident that Morten Holum is the right person to succeed Håkon
Volldal as CEO of Nel. Morten brings the broad international experience,
leadership and commercial mindset required at this stage of Nel's development.
He is ready to build on the strong foundation already in place," said Arvid
Moss, Chair of the Board. "Nel has recently won important orders with Collins
Aerospace and a leading technology company in the US. Defence applications,
evidenced by our recent Rheinmetall announcement, are also increasingly relevant
as a potential growth area. With Morten's extensive experience working with
industrial customers, he has the profile we were looking for to execute Nel's
strategy together with the strong management team and excellent organization at
Nel, both in Norway and in the US."
"Nel has long been a company I have admired. Having worked in hydrogen for many
years, I have seen first-hand the important role the Company has played in
developing the industry," says Morten Holum. "I am excited to join the team and
build on what has already been achieved. Nel has a solid foundation, world-class
technology and deep industrial expertise. I see significant opportunities to
further strengthen the Company's position and create long-term value as hydrogen
markets continue to develop."
Mr. Holum has been awarded, in addition to a fixed salary and participation in
the Company's long-term incentive programme, with the first Performance Share
Unit (PSU) grant expected in 2028, a long-term CEO incentive program valued at
NOK 5 million. The package comprises NOK 2 million in cash and NOK 3 million in
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The cash component will be paid in two equal
instalments 12 and 24 months after his starting day. The RSUs will vest in two
equal tranches in January 2029 and November 2030. The number of RSUs will be
determined upon commencement of employment. The cash instalments and RSU awards
are conditional upon the CEO remaining employed by the Company until the
applicable payment and vesting dates.The RSU awards are subject to a value cap
of NOK 25 million.
The Board has agreed with Håkon Volldal that he will be relieved of his
executive duties effective from the end of October 2026, and Morten Holum is
expected to assume his role with Nel no later than May 1, 2027. In the interim
period, Kjell Christian Bjørnsen, currently CFO of Nel since 2020 will serve as
interim CEO. Torbjørn Berg, VP Finance, will serve as interim CFO.
"The Board has full confidence in Kjell Christian Bjørnsen to lead Nel during
the interim period. Together with Nel's leadership team and the wider
organisation, he will continue to execute Nel's strategy and work closely with
customers and prospects to drive commercial progress and secure new orders,"
Arvid Moss says.
ENDS
For additional information, please contact:
Arvid Moss, Chairman of the Board, +47 920 54 013
Wilhelm Flinder, Head of Investor Relations, Communications and Marketing, +47
936 11 350
About Nel ASA | www.nelhydrogen.com
Nel has a history tracing back to 1927 and is today a leading pure play hydrogen
technology company with a global presence. The company specializes in PEM and
Alkaline electrolyser technology for production of renewable hydrogen. Nel's
product offerings are key enablers for a green hydrogen economy, making it
possible to decarbonize various industries such as transportation, refining,
steel, and ammonia.
This information is subject to a duty of disclosure pursuant to Section 5-12 of
the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This information was issued as inside
information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation, and was published by
Wilhelm Flinder, Head of Investor Relations, Communication and Marketing at Nel
ASA on the date and time provided.
was published by\
Wilhelm Flinder\, Head of Investor Relations\, Communication and Marketing at Nel\
ASA on the date and time provided.\