Norway’s software industry is rapidly evolving, and so is the landscape of cybersecurity leadership. From SaaS platforms to enterprise IT, Norwegian companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of strong security leadership to safeguard data, ensure compliance, and enable innovation. This list highlights some of the most influential CISOs and security leaders in Norway today, including rising stars and seasoned veterans shaping the country’s tech security ecosystem.
While not every professional holds the formal CISO title, all of these leaders have made a significant impact in information security, risk management, or IT governance. Whether driving compliance frameworks, building security programs from scratch, or empowering development teams to integrate security into their workflows, they represent the best of Norway’s cybersecurity talent. For more leaders making waves globally, check out our list of CISOs to watch.
Johnny Berntsen — Chief Information Security Officer, TET Digital AS
With over 35 years in IT, Johnny Berntsen brings deep expertise in security, risk management, and IT operations. He has completed critical projects across banking, energy, shipping, and fisheries, leveraging both customer and supplier perspectives. His leadership emphasizes creating environments where teams thrive and exceed expectations, making him a standout in Norway’s cybersecurity landscape.
Vidar Utne — CISO, SuperOffice
Vidar Utne leads security at one of Norway’s most prominent CRM and SaaS providers. With more than 25 years at SuperOffice, his tenure reflects both deep institutional knowledge and a forward-looking approach to enterprise cybersecurity, ensuring the company’s systems and customer data remain resilient in a fast-changing landscape.
Nick Murison — VP of Strategic IT & CISO, Ardoq
Nick Murison has a decade-plus of experience in software security and consultancy across Europe. As Ardoq’s former CISO and current VP of Strategic IT, he has overseen SOC 2 audits, ISO 27001 certification, and the development of core security capabilities that support the company’s growth while fostering creative, risk-aware teams.
Vegard Vaage — CISO, Stacc
An infosec management expert and GIAC-certified professional, Vegard Vaage brings hands-on experience in penetration testing, incident response, and cloud security. At Stacc, he is instrumental in shaping the company’s security posture and enabling secure software and AWS-based solutions.
Christian Holthe — Chief Information Security Officer, CatalystOne Solutions
Christian Holthe leads security, compliance, and internal IT for a Nordic SaaS provider serving large enterprise clients. With over a decade in security leadership, he has implemented ISO 27001 and GDPR frameworks, rolled out SIEM with SOC partnerships, and built AI governance programs aligned with EU regulations, all while embedding security as a business enabler.
Elisabeth Høiland — Chief Information Security Officer, Cognite
Elisabeth Høiland has over a decade of experience in information security and IT management. At Cognite, she oversees strategic security initiatives, aligning technical strategies with business goals. Previously at Kongsberg Digital, her work focused on building secure, resilient systems and fostering collaborative environments for innovation.
Driving the Future of Security in Norway’s Tech Sector
Norway’s cybersecurity ecosystem is only as strong as its leadership, and these CISOs and security leaders demonstrate how strategic thinking, technical expertise, and people-focused leadership intersect to create resilient organizations. From building robust frameworks to guiding teams through complex compliance and risk landscapes, these professionals are helping Norway’s software industry stay secure, agile, and innovative.
By watching these leaders and their approaches to modern security challenges, organizations and peers alike can glean insights into the next generation of security best practices, a testament to why Norway continues to cultivate some of Europe’s most forward-thinking cybersecurity talent.