Cluster Insight With DNB
– Previous crises have shown that to work closely with the clients is vital to finding good solutions in difficult times, says Thomas Johannessen from DNB.
Cluster Insight is a column where we ask six questions to catch a glimpse into the daily business-lives of our cluster partners and members.
This week, we spoke with Thomas Johannessen to learn more about him and his work in Norway’s largest financial services group; DNB.
1. What is your role in DNB?
I work as a Senior Relationship Manager – based in Bergen and responsible for clients on the West Coast of Norway.
2. Your main focus at work right now is?
The main focus now is to keep a close dialogue with clients during these challenging times caused by Covid-19 coupled with the fluctuating (low) oil price.
Most of the clients have managed ok so far, but a drop in capital expenditure (capex) will probably cause tough times going forward.
Previous crises have shown that to work closely with the clients is vital to finding good solutions in difficult times.
3. Biggest opportunities for DNB in the future?
If I should relate this to my job (and not DNB overall), it is a great opportunity to further support the clients on the West Coast of Norway to grow their businesses – expanding their businesses to new markets and segments.
We can support them with the all the combined expertise in DNB, as well as funding for growth.
4. Best part of being member in a cluster
DNB has been a member of the cluster since the establishment in 2006 and has benefited from that. We value the meeting places that GCE Ocean Technology facilitates – and we have arranged several seminars together.
The cluster helps us with understanding the market dynamics and trends – through interaction with members in the cluster and information from GCE Ocean Technology. Furthermore, we have appreciated the efforts that GCE Ocean Technology has made in relations to various industry conferences internationally and in Norway.
As an example, we have been actively involved in the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston for the last 10 years and we have great experience from the coordination and participation from the cluster.
5. Your business motto
“Live each day as if it were your last”
6. Which cluster member should we interview next?
Thank you for the insight Thomas.
Contact Information
Kjersti Boge Christensen
Communication Manager
DNB is Norway's largest financial services group and one of the largest in the Nordic region in terms of market capitalisation.
The Group offers a full range of financial services, including loans, savings, advisory services, insurance and pension products for retail and corporate customers.
