Geir Bjørkeli to step down as Corvus chief executive

In a statement, Mr Bjørkeli said, “After leading Corvus for five and a half years, I believe it is time for the company to have a new leader. Together with the rest of the team, I have dedicated extensive efforts to elevate Corvus into a prominent green industrial company within the maritime sector. The company continues to experience significant growth, with supply issues resolved post-pandemic and a record-high order intake. Therefore, I believe now is an opportune moment for a change in leadership.”

The Norwegian battery maker is one of the leading suppliers of battery systems for the maritime market.

Mr Bjørkeli assumed the role of chief executive at Corvus Energy in January 2018 and also serves on the board of The Federation of Norwegian Industries ’Norsk Industri’ , as chairman of their maritime branch, and is a board member of NCE Maritime Clean Tech.

Under his tenure, the Bergen firm has established sales offices across large parts of Asia and North America. Additionally, the company has constructed three state-of-the-art factories located in Newhaven, just outside Seattle, USA, Richmond, near Vancouver, Canada, and in its home city of Bergen in Norway. 

Earlier this year, the Corvus containerised battery room received type-approval from DNV, the first step towards easing the way for wider use in offshore support and other vessels. 

Corvus chairman Mikael Mäkinen said of Mr Bjørkeli, “Geir has skillfully guided Corvus through an exceptional period of growth, firmly positioning the company as a leading global player in maritime electrification. We hold immense respect for Geir and his team’s accomplishments, and the board is pleased that he successfully navigated through challenging years, leaving the company in an excellent state. The board will promptly commence the search for a new managing director.”

However Mr Bjørkeli will continue in his position until 31 December 2023 at the latest to help ensure a seamless transition to new leadership.

He concluded, “I am proud of our achievements, yet I am eagerly anticipating new challenges. I firmly believe I still have much to contribute to the industry globally, but my dedication remains steadfast in leading Corvus until my successor assumes the role. With its exceptional workforce and visionary managers, Corvus possesses boundless potential.”