Kristian Ek Email & Phone Number

Norway

Oslo, No

In my current role as Head of IT Operations at Mer, I focus on improving operational efficiency and streamlining processes across our IT landscape, covering Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the UK. I lead with a strategic vision, managing budgets and standardizing software to ensure cost-efficiency and alignment across business units. My team's expertise with Office 365 and Dynamics 365 is crucial in driving our IT initiatives toward achieving KPIs that measure success and promote continuous improvement.### Key Responsibilities:- Leading a multinational IT team and fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork.- Overseeing IT and technology budgets, and optimizing software licensing costs across all business units.- Implementing IT security and compliance measures to protect data and meet global regulatory standards.- Developing and monitoring KPIs to align IT department performance with the company’s strategic goals.- Streamlining software usage to improve efficiency and reduce costs.- Integrating AI technologies where applicable.### Key Achievements:- Led the audit and unification of IT license expenditures, significantly optimizing costs.- Successfully deployed Chatbot UI for OpenAI models in March 2023, enhancing customer engagement through advanced AI interactions.- Developed and implemented KPIs to evaluate IT operational success and identify improvement areas.

Bekkestua, Bærum, No

As the founder and CEO of Iterreng.no, I have grown the company from a small online store to a prominent e-commerce platform for e-bikes. My hands-on approach has involved creating and continually evolving the website, keeping it at the forefront of technology through careful API integrations and responsive design improvements.### Key Achievements:- Successfully expanded Iterreng.no into a well-regarded destination for sporting goods enthusiasts, building a robust and scalable e-commerce platform.- Continuously improved the website's performance and user experience by adapting to technological advancements and customer feedback.- Fostered a hands-on problem-solving culture, personally engaging in the repair and maintenance of e-bikes to ensure deep product knowledge and customer satisfaction.- Established a physical shop with a service center for skis and bikes, further enhancing customer service and support.- Developed a comprehensive understanding of e-commerce, using this expertise to guide business strategy and enhance customer engagement.

In my executive role at Scando Fusion AS, I combine financial expertise with strategic supply chain management to oversee the company's operations. As an investor and part-owner, my involvement extends beyond administrative duties to include meticulous management of finances and direct negotiation with international suppliers.### Key Responsibilities:- Managing the company's financials, including bookkeeping and financial reporting, to maintain a clear picture of fiscal health and guide strategic decisions.- Handling ordering and procurement processes with our U.S. supplier, ensuring a steady and cost-effective supply chain.- Overseeing the broader business strategy as an invested partner, with a keen focus on maximizing long-term value and sustainable growth.

Lysaker, Norge, No

As the CTO, my responsibilities expanded beyond strategic oversight to include direct leadership of the IT Support team from 2019 onwards. This dual role allowed me to ensure that our IT infrastructure — crucial for the operations of hundreds of restaurants across the Nordics — was not only strategically sound but also tactically supported with a focus on robustness and responsiveness.### Key Responsibilities:- Led the IT Support team, driving excellence in customer service and technical support across the company.- Maintained SLAs, ensuring all IT services met the high standards required for operations.- Managed the IP/VPN network infrastructure, crucial for the uptime of our Java-based POS systems and banking terminals.- Played a vital role in sustaining the IT backbone for renowned franchises such as Burger King and Starbucks.### Key Achievements:- Successfully led the IT Support team while fulfilling the strategic responsibilities of a CTO, demonstrating strong leadership and multitasking abilities.- Enhanced IT support operations, resulting in improved service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Lysaker, Norge, No

Elevating from an IT Support role, I assumed the leadership of the team in 2019 while also serving as a Senior IT Consultant. This position required a hands-on approach to manage SLAs and ensure the seamless operation of network-based services for our POS systems across numerous retail outlets.### Key Responsibilities:- Oversaw the IT Support department, ensuring the team delivered high-quality technical support and customer service.- Played a pivotal role in maintaining the network infrastructure, critical for the uninterrupted service of our POS systems and banking terminals.- Actively contributed to network strategy and implementation, focusing on reliable IP/VPN solutions.### Key Achievements:- Directed the IT Support team to consistently meet and exceed SLA targets, ensuring high customer satisfaction and system availability.- Maintained a strong performance record in network uptime, supporting the company's expansion and enhancing its market presence.- Established 7 Peppes Pizza restaurants and a fully functioning Valley Center in Kuwait (2008-2009), training staff on call center operations, configuring all hardware in restaurants based on IBM AS400, and setting up communications between the call center and restaurants.

Oslo, No

Oslo, No

Glostrup, Dk

Ba, Economics And It Management

Business And Administration