This interview highlights the career path and insights of Eva Klevås who has navigated diverse roles and challenges, showcasing resilience and a passion for driving organisational change and growth. She has extensive experience from management and HR from both international and local environments, in both the private and public sectors.
Can you tell us about your journey into HR?
“It wasn’t exactly planned, to be honest. I initially started studying political science, but it didn’t quite suit me. Eventually, I shifted gears towards human resources, focusing on psychology and labour law. It was a pivotal mentorship at Tetra Pak that landed me my first HR role in ’98. I spent a fulfilling decade there, experiencing eight different roles and thriving on diverse projects that pushed me to learn and grow.”
What motivated your transition from corporate HR to work to become an entrepreneur?
“Life threw me a curveball when my child was diagnosed with a muscular disease. It made me reassess whether I was truly making an impact where I was. That’s when I joined Malmö City as a Diversity Manager, eager to effect real change. However, I craved a faster pace and started Funwheels of Sweden (wheelchairs) in 2010 – a venture that garnered significant attention. The experience was incredibly enriching, immersed in an incubator environment and featured prominently in media coverage. After that, a former colleague from Tetra Pak approached me with an opportunity at PartnerTech as Manager of Global Training & Development, which later evolved into a role as Group HR Director. In my next role, I navigated the integration process when Scanfil acquired the PartnerTech group, and I had the honour of being appointed Head of HR. Despite overseeing 3,500 staff and various cultural challenges, I felt a longing for the dynamic environment I cherished at PartnerTech and eventually moved on.”
Why did you decide to become an Executive Interim Manager?
“Joining Kraftringen in 2017 as Head of HR introduced me to the energy sector, which I found intriguing but ultimately less complex than I desired. Interim Management became a natural fit, and I focused heavily on retail and organisational restructuring, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. My roles have varied from coaching HR leaders to supporting CEOs in organisations lacking strong HR frameworks. The variety and challenges continue to excite me. Whether it’s guiding organisations through transformations or coaching leaders to enhance their strategic HR capabilities, each project brings its own set of opportunities to make a meaningful impact. I thrive on the energy and learning that comes with every new assignment.”
In 2023/2024 you had an assignment as Interim HR Director Nordics at Air Liquide, can you tell us about your role?
“Air Liquide group is the world’s leading supplier of gases, and related technologies and services for industry and healthcare with operations in 73 countries. As HR Director Nordics, I managed operations and oversaw HR transformation programs across multiple countries, which was exhilarating, like sprinting on a treadmill. I stepped into a team that had been without leadership due to paternity leave, necessitating immediate action. The focus was on change management due to an ongoing HR Transformation Program, including changing payroll providers in all Nordic countries. It also included building solid relationships with stakeholders, which was essential for steering the company forward amidst significant transitions. There was no time to learn, I just dived right into it. It is a fantastic company with genuinely kind and competent people. The collaboration with Nordic Interim has been very good, professional, and competent.”
How do you approach change leadership in your roles?
“Understanding diverse perspectives and fostering a collaborative environment are crucial. I aim to bridge gaps between stakeholders, ensuring alignment and reducing unnecessary friction. As an external consultant, I bring a fresh perspective and a straightforward approach, focused solely on what’s best for the company’s progress.”
What is your advice for aspiring HR professionals?
“Stay adaptable and open to unexpected opportunities. Embrace challenges, as chances to learn and grow professionally. Building strong relationships and maintaining authenticity in your work will pave the way for a fulfilling career in human resources.”
How do you ensure a good work/life balance?
“I find it relaxing to read and indulge in creative pursuits like cooking and making jam – activities that allow me to unwind and exercise my creativity without strict guidelines. I’m also keen on expanding my knowledge, with a particular interest in both talent management and generative AI and will be taking a course in gen AI to learn more this fall.”
#HumanResources #HR