Aasheim replaces Kjersti Kleven, who is leaving the board after four years as chair.

Aasheim has been head of Hydro’s Primary Metal business area since 2009 and is a member of the company’s corporate management board. She has a master's degree in business economics from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration in Bergen and is also a state authorized public accountant. She was born in Larvik, is married and has two children.

Aasheim has been a member of the board of Norsk Industri for six years and deputy chair since 2010.

“The challenges facing industry in Norway are many, but the opportunities are even more numerous,” she says. “Industry and technology are the answer to many of the great challenges of our time, nationally as well as internationally.”

She adds that she is looking forward to working with employees and employee representatives in Norsk Industri to help ensure that Norwegian industry has the best possible framework for success.

“Good framework conditions are a prerequisite for continuing to develop industrial value creation in Norway. Norwegian industry is a world leader in many areas, and we want to maintain that position in the future as well,” Aasheim says.

Following the General Assembly’s vote on May 5, the board of directors consists of:

• Hilde Merete Aasheim, Hydro
• Jan Skogseth (deputy chair) Aibel
• Leif G. Belsvik, Nor Tekstil
• Sylvia Brustad, Aker
• Jon Erik Engeset, Hexagon Composites
• Rigmor Fardal, Umoe Mandal
• Karl Inge Rekdal, Sykkylven Stål
• Lars Rosenløv, Statoil
• Tore Tomter, Siemens
• Geir-Henning Wintervoll, Finnfjord