EQVA names Tore Thorkildsen interim CEO as Ellingsen steps down
Norwegian industrial technology group EQVA has appointed Tore Thorkildsen as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 30 May 2025, following the departure of Even Matre Ellingsen.
Thorkildsen has been with the group since 1987 and most recently served as Head of Sales and Calculation and Managing Director of BKS Industri, an EQVA subsidiary. He holds 8,729,739 shares in EQVA—representing 10.78 percent of the company—through his private company Nintor AS.
“Tore Thorkildsen’s diverse background within EQVA and his extensive experience in the industrial services sector makes him highly qualified to take on the role,” said Ellen Hanetho, Chair of the Board.
Thorkildsen said he looks forward to developing the group’s portfolio companies further, citing strong performance from BKS and ongoing integration of IMTAS and Austevoll Rørteknikk as positive indicators for future growth.
EQVA, formerly known as the Havyard Group, has undergone significant strategic transformation under Ellingsen’s leadership, evolving into a knowledge-based industrial compounder with investments across energy-intensive industries, aquaculture, defence, and maritime sectors.
“This is a logical time for me to step down,” Ellingsen said. “I am proud of the many strategic milestones we have achieved together and look forward to following EQVA’s continued growth.”
Hanetho thanked Ellingsen on behalf of the board for his contributions during a period of restructuring and strategic repositioning.