Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen will be Interim DNV Group President and CEO while Remi Eriksen is on leave to undergo cancer treatment, according to the classification society on Tuesday (20 January).
Last week, DNV Group President and CEO Remi Eriksen was diagnosed with cancer. Eriksen is optimistic that he will fully recover. He will begin treatment soon and will therefore step away from his position in DNV for a few months.
In Remi’s absence, the DNV Board of Directors has appointed Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen (current CEO for BA Maritime) to serve as Interim DNV Group President and CEO from 1 February 2026 to 31 August 2026. Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria (current COO for BA Maritime) will be Interim CEO for Maritime during this period.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of DNV, I want to extend our warmest wishes to Remi for strength, stamina, and a good recovery. We look forward to welcoming him back when he is recovered,” said Fredrik Baksaas, Chair of the DNV Board of Directors.
“It’s with great respect and humility that I step in for Remi during his absence. DNV’s strategy and commitments remain unchanged, and we will continue to deliver for our customers and partners without interruption,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen.
Photo credit: DNV
Published: 22 January, 2026
