MD of the Norwegian Seafood Export Council for the UK and France, on private jets, The Perfect Storm and being a happy salmon

What was your first-ever job? When I was about 10 years old, living in Måløy, I often went fishing with my grandfather. I sold a lot of the fish to our neighbours.

What was your worst job interview? I haven’t really had a ‘worst interview’. I did apply for a job with the NSEC when I was 19, and was told I was too young.

What was the first music single you bought? I bought Peter Gabriel’s So and Madonna’s True Blue in the summer of 1986.

How do you describe your job to your mates? “The World’s Best Job”. I get to work with all aspects of the industry, and I love it.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being a part of the progress made within the industry, as well as working alongside some amazing people.

What is the least rewarding part? Being away from my family - I spend a lot of time travelling.

What is your motto in life? Never give up.

What’s your nickname? When I graduated from high school, my classmates called me Alfalfa.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? To own a private jet so I could fly myself across Europe and Norway.

What’s your favourite movie and why? The Perfect Storm: it reminds me of home, with similar weather conditions.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? One day I went fishing with my friends, and I sailed straight on to a rock and crashed the outboard motor.

Do you have any phobias? I am worried about developing a phobia, and I am convinced that as a result, one day I will wake up with a phobia!

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Sophie Dahl. She is of Norwegian decent and is a great cook. It would be wonderful to work with her on our UK campaign.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? I would change the way fresh fish is sold in the UK market. All fresh fish should be labelled with its origin specified.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? The Norwegian salmon, swimming to reach the source. In Norway we actually have a saying - ‘glad laks’ -which means a ‘happy salmon’. That is how I feel every day.

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