Newsroom - Arendals Fossekompani - Our People
Get to know our VP of Communications and Sustainability
Hanne Watts is VP of Communications and Sustainability at Arendals Fossekompani, bringing experience from previous roles as Head of Business Development at Mer, and a solid background in the development of future-focused businesses.
Est. reading time: 2 min
Originally from Kristiansand, Hanne holds a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and provides a broad international perspective shaped by having lived and worked in France, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and California.
What role does communication play in engaging investors, partners, and the public?
Communication helps bring clarity to how technology, strategy, and capital allocation translate into long-term value creation. You can have the best products and businesses, built by the most capable minds. But value is only generated if it is truly understood.
What advice would you give to companies starting to integrate sustainability into their business?
Start with what really matters. Focus on the sustainability issues that are most relevant and build from there. Make ESG part of how decisions are made. ESG if fundamentally about change, so ensure ownership and engage people across the organisation. And of course, share success stories along the way and stay focused on how sustainability builds long-term value.
What is the best part of your role?
The people! Both here at our headquarters and across our portfolio, I get to work with people who are incredibly competent and passionate about what they do. Building global companies together is truly rewarding.
What does a normal workday look like for you?
No two days are the same. I work across a broad spectrum, from strategy and branding to media and sustainability. The variety and pace are what make the work exciting.
Are there stories from the portfolio you're particularly excited to share?
There is so much to choose from. Both NSSLGlobal and Tekna are developing technology and products that are quite literally, used beyond Earth! ENRX’s induction heating solutions are powering industry giants worldwide. And Volue has recently announced a new leadership team that is generating a lot of positive momentum. They all address complex challenges with real-world impact and those are the stories we want to tell.
