ODA Leader Award 2026 Finalists

About the ODA Leader Award

The ODA Leader Award recognizes an established leader who demonstrates long‑term impact through results, influence, and visibility. The award highlights leaders who combine strong business delivery with a clear commitment to diversity and inclusion, and who use their position to shape more inclusive and sustainable workplaces. ODA Leaders serve as role models and actively contribute to shaping the future of leadership in technology.

The winner will be announced at ODA Inspiration Day 2026.

The finalists are:

Candidate 1: Kristin Rotevatn Nyberg

Kristin Rotevatn Nyberg is CEO of Twoday Norway and a respected leader in the Norwegian technology industry, with a background as a software engineer. With more than a decade of leadership experience, she combines strong business execution with clear, values-driven leadership. She is a visible and consistent advocate for diversity and inclusion, both within Twoday and across the wider tech community.

Under her leadership, Twoday Norway has achieved high employee engagement and customer satisfaction, attracted a growing number of qualified applicants, and secured major public sector contracts. Kristin is also an active and trusted voice in the industry, contributing through partnerships, public speaking, and collaboration with initiatives such as ODA‑Nettverk. Her leadership shows how long‑term results, inclusion, and trust can be built together.

Candidate 2: Kristine Dahl Steidel

Kristine Dahl Steidel is CEO of Microsoft Norway and one of the most influential leaders in the Norwegian technology sector. With more than 25 years of experience, she has delivered sustained, measurable results across complex and fast‑moving environments. She is widely recognized for her ability to translate advanced technology and strategy into clear, accessible insights that inspire leaders across industries.

Kristine is a prominent public voice on artificial intelligence, digitalization, and responsible leadership, and she consistently advocates diversity and inclusion as key drivers of innovation and performance. Through strong results, distinct communication, and visible leadership, Kristine has contributed to shaping Microsoft Norway’s success and the broader national conversation on technology, leadership, and the future of work.

Candidate 3: Tove Selnes

Tove Selnes is Group Executive Vice President for People, Brand and Communications at Storebrand and a leading voice for inclusive leadership in Norway. With more than a decade in executive leadership, she has driven structured, long‑term work on diversity and gender balance, combining strategic vision with hands‑on execution. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering a strong learning culture, she has enhanced employee engagement while driving commercial growth.

Tove’s focus on inclusive practices has not only fostered a more dynamic workplace but also propelled transformative organizational change and growth. Beyond Storebrand, she has influenced wider industry change through initiatives such as the FiftyFifty leadership program and research‑based, data‑driven approaches, delivering measurable and lasting impact.