10.03.2022
Olaug Hillesland
Olaug from Norway started her career in Solstad Offshore in 2009 and holds the role as Administration and Communication Director in our Skudeneshavn office.
Read more about her perspective of diversity in the maritime industry and encourage to #BreakTheBias.
Title: Administration and Communication Director
Joined Solstad: 2009
Country: Norway
What is your background (education and experience from other companies)?
I started my career in Teekay, a shuttletanker shipping company, after studies abroad in Australia, the Netherlands and Germany. I was drawn to the shipping industry because it is so international, the vessels work all over the world and maritime industry has a long history.
When and how did your story with Solstad start?
I filled in as a temporary replacement as Purchaser in the company in 2009. I got a firm position thereafter and after some time I moved to the Finance and Accounting department as a Controller before I started in Administration.
Can you explain what you currently do in your role as Administration and Communication Director?
As Administration and Communication Director I am responsible for people, culture and communication with a special focus on the onshore organization.
I am in the Executive Management group, and I get to work with fantastic colleagues on organizational development, recruitments, various HR work and additionally internal and external communications. We all contribute to ensuring the high standards that Solstad is known for, and I like how we are all parts of making the successes in our company.
How do you perceive career opportunities in Solstad?
There are multiple possibilities in our company and with the strong ambitions with green technologies and sustainable shipping it is an exciting place to be at the moment. The industry and the world experience major changes with digitalization and with the energy transition together with our strong maritime competence I am certain that Solstad will bring many opportunities also ahead.
In Solstad we now have 40 nationalities and we encourage diversity. Can you relate to a situation where diversity has improved the results in your daily work?
Absolutely. Learning from Brazil in our “Women in Solstad” project group is one recent example where we have tried to utilize best practice throughout the organization. When involved with diverse teams with a mix of onshore and offshore staff, various nationalities, ages and perspectives, we can make a great impact with a wider approach. Change takes time but diversity brings added value, more creativity and innovation. Some of my best learning experiences has been when I have been challenged by colleagues with other perspectives than my own.
Shipping is traditionally a male industry but Solstad believes in equal opportunities. Would you recommend women to start a career in Solstad?
We want to attract the best candidates. We have so many inspiring colleagues and I would definitely recommend women to join Solstad.