About

Described by peers as a ‘solid’ lawyer, Axel Gustavsen started his broad in-house career with Aker Solutions, going on to then join law firm Thommessen in 2008-09 and then returned to Aker Solutions where he held the position of senior vice president and chief legal counsel. His broad experience in international business and private practise is also evident through his stint at law firm BAHR and his role as head of legal for Aker solutions in the US. He assumed his current position at Cermaq Group in October 2016. Gustavsen admits that very early on his in-house positions involved very heavy and complex negotiations, including both contractual terms and conditions as well as commercial and strategic matters: ‘This has helped expand the skillset and approach to be able to provide more effective and commercially valuable advice to the business’. This position has required Gustavsen to work very closely with key management and management processes, which has contributed to not only his personal development but also the growth of the business. ‘The positions has also involved a large degree of responsibility and participation in decision making, which has contributed to the same development and to understand and embrace the overall goals of the business’ he states in regard to this. In his current capacity Gustavsen also serves as head of human resources and sustainability, and is part of the executive management team. This position promotes a closer relationship with the CEO and involves daily interactions with the other members of the team resulting in the establishment of an efficient and close working relationship.