ODA Leader Award 2025 Finalists
Each year ODA-Nettverk awards dedicated work supporting the promotion of gender equality and diversity in the tech industry.
The ODA Leader Award recognizes an established leader who demonstrates long-term impact through results, influence, and visibility. This individual is widely respected in their field, often invited to share insights across public and professional arenas. Through strategic leadership and public advocacy, they promote diversity and inclusion as a fundamental part of sustainable success. The award highlights leaders who serve as role models and actively contribute to shaping the future of inclusive workplaces.
The winner will be announced at ODA Inspiration Day on May 28th. The finalists are:
Candidate 1: Arbab Dar
Arbab Dar is CEO of EY Norway and leads the company’s efforts to build a more inclusive and value-based professional services environment. Under his leadership, and with great support from the team, EY became the first company in Norway to be certified for bias-free recruitment by Inclue. He brings attention to diversity and inclusion through national platforms, industry events, and public discourse.
Under his leadership, EY continues the journey as one of the largest “Big Four” firms in Norway. Arbab emphasizes transparency, generational dialogue, teaming and community engagement as part of his leadership approach. His focus on bridging perspectives contributes to building resilient, future-oriented organizations.
Candidate 2: Merete Hverven
Merete Hverven is CEO of Visma and has led the company through a period of sustained growth and international expansion. Under her leadership, Visma has more than doubled its revenue and strengthened its position as a leading provider of cloud-based business software in Europe.
She has made diversity and inclusion part of the company’s strategic agenda, and has initiated several programmes to increase diversity across the organisation. Merete regularly shares insights on digitalization, sustainability, and responsible leadership in national and international forums. Her leadership combines long-term business growth with a strong focus on people and purpose.
Candidate 3: Sadia Aden Mohamed
Sadia Aden Mohamed, Head of Service at NIO Norway, leads with a focus on operational excellence, inclusion, and team empowerment. She has implemented strategies that have improved collaboration and delivery across NIO’s service operations, while maintaining high levels of team engagement.
Sadia is also an active voice in the tech-driven automotive sector, where she advocates for greater representation and inclusive leadership. She was also named one of Norway’s top 10 leaders under 35 by E24 in 2023. Through her role, she contributes to shaping workplace culture and highlighting the importance of purpose in leadership.
See the other category finalists:
Register for ODA Inspiration Day 2025
