Øystein Risan is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Norwegian rolling stock company Norske tog AS after 10 years in the role.

Norske tog announced the leadership change on 7 October 2026. Chief Financial Officer Linda Marie Venbakken will become Acting CEO while the company’s Board of Directors begins the process of recruiting Risan’s successor.

Øystein Risan

© Norske tog

Risan has led Norske tog since the company was established as a separate rolling stock entity. During his tenure, the company has overseen major fleet procurement programmes as passenger numbers have increased across Norway’s railway network.

150 FLIRT train sets were delivered on schedule and within budget up to 2022. The trains are now used on services around Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.

Norske tog is also preparing for the introduction of new rolling stock. New local trains are scheduled to enter service in 2027, while new long-distance trains are expected to enter service in 2028. Upgrade programmes for older trains are also under way.

Jan Morten Ertsaas, Chair of the Board of Norske tog said:

The Board would like to thank Øystein Risan for his significant contribution over the past ten years. He was involved in establishing the company and has led Norske tog during a period of major responsibilities and high expectations for the railway sector. Drawing on his extensive experience from both NSB and Norske tog, he has been an important contributor to the company’s development. The Board believes this is a natural time to bring in new leadership to guide the company through its next phase.

Risan will remain involved with the company as Chair of the Board of Norske tog Forsikring.

Venbakken, who currently serves as CFO, will lead Norske tog on an acting basis while the recruitment process takes place.

Øystein Risan said:

I am proud of what we have achieved at Norske tog over the past ten years. A total of 150 FLIRT train sets were delivered on time and within budget up to 2022, and they now form the backbone of rail services around Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. New local trains will enter service in 2027, followed by new long-distance trains in 2028, and important upgrade programmes to keep older rolling stock in operation are initiated. The company is made up of highly skilled employees and fulfils an important public mission, and I wish Linda and the rest of the organisation every success in the years ahead.

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