If you want to learn something, you have to start giving what you have. There are things that you learn like adaptability, cultural understanding, and building relationships with people of different cultures. Growing up in different countries gave Kristin Omreng the opportunity to learn skills, which she would have not have developed in the same way as growing up in one place.
With a rich tapestry of experiences, Kristin has navigated her way through the dynamic realms of executive search, leadership selection, and various HR roles in the oil & gas and maritime sectors. Her inspiring leadership has propelled the HR function at PGS, contributing to the company’s resilience amidst industry changes, mergers, and workforce adjustments.
Here’s the Detailed Overview of Her Journey
Navigating Global Challenges in Energy and Maritime Sectors
In Kristin’s early years, her childhood unfolded across diverse global locations, a consequence of her father’s career in the oil & gas industry. The unique upbringing instilled in her valuable skills like adaptability, cultural understanding, and the ability to forge connections with people of varied backgrounds. Upon completing her Masters in Business and Economics from the Norwegian School of Management, she embarked on a professional journey that began in Executive Search and Leadership Selection.
This initial phase paved the way for her entry into diverse HR roles within oil & gas and maritime companies. Currently holding the position of SVP Head of Global HR at PGS, a global geophysical company specializing in offshore survey data and cloud-based imaging of the earth, Kristin plays a crucial role in advancing geophysics as a key facilitator for energy security and transition.
Throughout her career, Kristin, a seasoned business leader, has confronted and surmounted numerous challenges within the dynamic energy and maritime sector. This realm, marked by substantial changes and cyclicality, demanded continuous adaptation, encompassing shifts in business models, mergers, acquisitions, and workforce adjustments.
Kristin’s leadership narrative is one of embracing change with empathy, steering her teams through both daunting and exhilarating times. Each transformation, whether anticipated or unforeseen, has become a rich source of learning for Kristin and her fellow leaders, contributing to their collective growth and resilience.
A Vision for Sustainable Energy and Global Impact
In aligning its unwavering commitment to energy security and affordability with the global pursuit of sustainable energy, PGS has recently redefined its vision and mission. With a mission focused on advancing marine subsurface knowledge to meet evolving energy needs, PGS envisions a future where affordable and sustainable energy is universally accessible. This transformative initiative, undertaken approximately 1.5 years ago, involved active engagement from the company’s workforce, reflecting a collective eagerness to contribute to reshaping the company’s purpose. PGS recognizes the shifting dynamics of its impact in a changing world, reinforcing its pivotal role in addressing the evolving landscape of energy security and affordability with adaptability and foresight.
Kristin’s Visionary Leadership
Kristin’s commitment to achieving exceptional results is evident in her willingness to go the extra mile. Dedicated to fostering effective communication, she actively engages with her team and the broader organization to share updates and plans.
Described by her team as a leader with a passionate, visionary, and ambitious approach, Kristin is recognized for her supportive leadership style. Demonstrating a profound care for her team, she invests time in coaching and closely following up with her direct reports.
Open to new ideas and diverse perspectives, Kristin values the importance of alignment within the team, ensuring everyone understands the overarching goals and their individual contributions. Empowering team members to actively contribute and providing continuous support, she prioritizes building a high-performing and cohesive team.
Nurturing Growth and Bridging Visions
Expressing a commitment to continuous professional growth, Kristin aspires to further develop her leadership skills and capabilities, exploring roles not only in HR but also in various other domains. Her passion lies in bridging the gap between people and business strategy, recognizing the abundant untapped potential within individuals. She believes that fostering the growth of both individuals and the organization collectively leads to remarkable outcomes.
Motivated by the exciting prospects at PGS, a globally impactful company with a significant presence in the traditional oil and gas sector as well as renewable energy, she is dedicated to contributing to its development. Kristin is particularly passionate about making a meaningful impact on the energy transition and leveraging technology and expertise to meet future challenges.
Evolution of HR in a Dynamic Business Landscape
Kristin emphasizes the evolving significance of HR in contemporary organizations, driven by rapidly changing business dynamics. She recognizes the pivotal role of individuals in adapting to evolving business models and strategies, acknowledging their substantial impact on HR’s function. Over the past 5-10 years, HR processes have undergone a digital transformation, becoming more standardized and sophisticated. This shift allows for a heightened focus on data-driven HR processes and emphasizes the role of HR as a strategic business partner.
Kristin anticipates the next significant transformation in HR to revolve around navigating the integration of AI and new tools, harnessing the potential of Gen AI and other technological advancements. Managing this transition, while leveraging the inherent strengths of the workforce, poses a crucial challenge in the near future.
Fostering Growth, Innovation and Performance through HR Leadership
Kristin asserts that her team is actively contributing to transformative change. Their continuous experimentation and adoption of new technologies aim to facilitate the growth and development of employees and leaders. By cultivating innovative ways of collaboration and transparent sharing, they foster a culture of growth, learning, and development, ultimately driving innovation and performance.
Kristin emphasizes that impactful change often stems from cumulative small efforts rather than a single monumental initiative. Her passion lies in connecting people with the business strategy, recognizing the untapped potential in each individual. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the company culture and leadership, aligning them with the overarching strategy to create an environment conducive to learning, development, and high performance. Her commitment lies in helping both individuals and the organization evolve and thrive together.
Kristin’s Insights on Emerging Trends
Kristin highlights the dynamic evolution of the HR sector, underscoring a plethora of opportunities within HR teams and for those developing offerings tailored for HR needs. The ongoing trends include streamlining HR processes, digitalization, analytics, and the automation of self-service information. A notable shift is the increased connectivity between HR data, enabling more strategic Learning and Development aligned with specific roles and career paths.
Looking ahead, Kristin anticipates increased face-to-face interactions between HR Business Partners and Business leaders, fostering accelerated development of leadership skills. This, in turn, is poised to fortify organizational culture and enhance engagement across the board. As the HR landscape undergoes profound changes, she emphasizes the importance of adapting to these trends for sustained success and growth.
Read Full Magazine – The 10 Most Dynamic Women HR Leaders to Watch, 2024
