In 2020, Björn Tore Markussen, originally from Salangen, described himself as a defense friend and former soldier. In a reader's post in Fremover, he called for a 4th combat battalion to be established in northern Norway, which he believed should be based in Birkvik.
His main rationale was based on Norway's ability to receive the assistance we might need if Russia decided to attack us.
In the military context, Norway is considered a small playground, but in the field of geopolitics it is considered one of the most important axes in the world. We have the richest marine areas in the world. “We are the northern crossroads between the United States, Europe, Russia and China,” he wrote at the time.
As of May 2021, he serves as Executive Vice President of Sparebank 1 Nord-Norge.
He has now been appointed as the new Chief of Technology and ICT for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Markussen, on behalf of the Chief of Defence, will have executive responsibility for the management and development of ICT for Defence, including Cyber Defense and the Defense Branches. This was stated in a press release issued by the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces are a high-tech organization, technologically advanced in a number of areas. However, we have several known shortcomings. The ICT strategy for the Norwegian Armed Forces is ambitious and should provide increased operational capability and security. Markussen will have the important task of managing and leading this implementation,” Defense Secretary Erik Kristofferson said in the press release.
– Important for renewal
Markusen looks forward to taking on the new mission with important business partners and other allies.
– War, great power rivalry, climate change and technological changes lead to unpredictability and instability in the regions surrounding Norway. It is therefore important to renew and update existing ICT solutions and adopt new technology in a responsible manner. “I'm looking forward to returning to the armed forces and getting to know the people and the experience,” Markusen says.
Bjørn Tore Markussen has extensive strategic, operational technology and business management experience at home and abroad, including from Det Norske Veritas, Aker system, CapGemini and Army. He comes from the position of Executive Vice President at Sparebank 1 Nord-Norge. Markussen was, among others, educated at the Norwegian Military Academy, the University of Tromsø, and the leadership course of the Norwegian Defense Academy in 2016. He will start his position in April.
big responsibility
The new Director of ICT joins the Chief of Defense's leadership team, as one of the Chiefs of Department in the Defense Staff.
– In the Norwegian Armed Forces, we are planning a huge development in the field of ICT in the coming years, so I look forward to having Björn Torre Markusen join the team. Lieutenant General Ingrid Gjerde, Chief of the Defense Staff, says he has the ideal experience and personality to help enhance the operational capability of the Armed Forces through extensive command experience and proven leadership in the field of information and communications technology.
“Web specialist. Lifelong zombie maven. Coffee ninja. Hipster-friendly analyst.”
