A former director of John Fredriksen’s private Seatankers group has taken on a new role at a Norwegian cleantech company.
Gunnar Eliassen was a close adviser to the shipping tycoon until he resigned earlier in 2023 after seven years.
He has now been proposed as the new chairman of Oslo-listed Soiltech, which specialises in the treatment, recycling and responsible handling of contaminated water and solid waste.
A vote will take place on Wednesday.
London-based Eliassen will replace current chairman Jan Erik Tveteraas, who will concentrate on his role as Soiltech chief executive.
Robert Hvide MacLeod, former CEO of Fredriksen’s tanker company Frontline, will also leave the Soiltech board.
Eliassen has an extensive background in the oil service industry.
He is chairman of Scana and a board member of Vantage Drilling and KLX Energy Services.
The former investment banker has previously been a board member of Seadrill, Seadrill Partners, Northern Drilling, Noram Drilling, Valaris and Quintana Energy Services.
The ‘best school’
Eliassen joined the private shipowning and investment arm of the Fredriksen empire in 2016.
He did not give a reason for his departure but told Norwegian media: “I have had seven wonderful years with John and Seatankers.
“I am very grateful for this time — both for the tasks and the trust I have received. Seatankers is the best school you can go to in business.”
Eliassen was previously a partner at Pareto Securities from 2011 to 2016.
MacLeod spent six years as the CEO of Frontline up to 2020.
He currently sits on the board of Danish owner/operator Norden and is the chairman of Oberon Investments, as well as owning his own investment company Hans Hvide & Co.
MacLeod became a Soiltech director in August 2021.
