Bjørn Eldar Petersen, a Norwegian executive with 20-plus years’ experience in the global automotive industry, has been appointed CEO of the EFD Induction Group. Petersen takes over from Eivin Jørgensen, who, as planned, has stepped down on his 60th birthday.
"I’m honoured and flattered to be made CEO of this great company," said Petersen from EFD Induction’s corporate headquarters in Skien, Norway.
"In fact, I was once a satisfied customer of EFD Induction, back when I was a manager at Kongsberg Automotive plants in Hvittingfoss and Rollag, Norway.
"So I’m already familiar with EFD Induction, and how its products play key roles in everything from Formula One cars to wind turbines."
A native of Oslo, Petersen earned an MBA from the Norwegian School of Management before being recruited by Kongsberg Automotive, the multinational manufacturer of driveline systems, power electronics and other critical automotive components.
Before taking over at EFD Induction, Petersen lived for more than three years in China, where he headed up Kongsberg Automotive’s Asian operations.
For EFD Induction board member Truls Larsen, Petersen’s overseas experience and executive role in Asia mesh perfectly with the Group’s strategy.
"EFD Induction is in the process of becoming a seamlessly integrated global player," Larsen said. "It is a process that will no doubt be supported by our new CEO with his strong international background and outlook."
Currently the world’s second largest induction heating company, the EFD Induction Group comprises 19 companies in Europe, Asia and North and South America. EFD Induction also has a significant stake in an associated Canadian company called Tekna Plasma Systems.
"These are challenging times," comments Petersen. "The global economic outlook is still uncertain. But thanks in no small part to the hard work of my predecessor, EFD Induction is well positioned to thrive in a tough competitive environment. We have technologies and solutions that are proven to cut costs and improve quality for our customers. And we have the people, the locations and the resources to deliver those benefits to customers around the world."
A keen sportsman, Petersen enjoys literature and music, and spending time with his wife Tone and their three sons. Petersen formally took over the role of CEO on October 15.