The Norwegian Ski Federation (Skiforbundet) is poised for a significant leadership transition as its election committee has put forward Roger Finjord, a prominent figure from Northern Norwegian football, as its candidate for the next president. Finjord, currently the general manager of the Finnmark Football Association, is set to succeed Tove Moe Dyrhaug, who will step down at the Ski Congress in June. Alongside Finjord’s nomination for president, Ida Pinnerød from Bodø has been nominated as vice-president. This proposed leadership team signifies a potential shift in focus and a bringing of diverse sporting governance experience to the helm of one of Norway’s most popular sports federations.
The election committee’s announcement, made via a press release on Monday morning, highlighted the credentials of both Finjord and Pinnerød, emphasizing their strong leadership profiles and readiness to guide the Skiforbundet into a new era. Espen Utaker, the leader of the election committee, described both candidates as "open, inclusive, and value-driven leaders with deep respect for the role of sport in society." This endorsement underscores a commitment to a leadership style that prioritizes community engagement and ethical governance within the federation.
Roger Finjord, 53, brings a wealth of experience from the Norwegian sports landscape. His tenure as general manager of the Finnmark Football Association has provided him with extensive administrative and strategic insight into a large, grassroots sports organization. Beyond football, Finjord has also demonstrated a commitment to winter sports, serving as the deputy chair of the Finnmark Ski Association and previously heading the cross-country skiing committee within the same regional body. This dual involvement in both a major team sport and a core winter discipline positions him as a unique candidate with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing various sports within the federation.
Finjord is also recognized nationally as an engaging and knowledgeable speaker, known for his ability to energize teams, foster collaboration, and inspire participation both on and off the field of play. His background includes coaching the women’s national football team, showcasing a high-level understanding of elite sports development. This blend of grassroots engagement, strategic administrative experience, and a connection to elite performance suggests a leader capable of bridging different facets of Norwegian sport. The election committee specifically noted his ability to understand the needs of both the "grassroots and elite sports."
Ida Pinnerød, 46, is nominated as vice-president and brings a robust background in public administration and community building. Having served as the mayor of Bodø for eight years, Pinnerød has established herself as a skilled negotiator and a facilitator of collaboration between sports organizations, local communities, and government authorities. Her political experience is complemented by her direct involvement in grassroots winter sports. As the leader of the ski group at Tverlandet IL and a parent with children active in cross-country skiing, she possesses an intimate understanding of the experiences of families participating in the sport.
Pinnerød’s profile emphasizes her strong understanding of the importance of sport for children and youth, public health, and civic engagement. Her strategic competence and capacity for holistic, long-term planning are seen as vital assets for the Skiforbundet’s future development. The election committee specifically pointed to her ability to combine "political insight with genuine sports enthusiasm" and her extensive experience in leading complex organizations and achieving results through collaboration.
The proposed slate of candidates reflects a deliberate effort by the election committee to assemble a leadership team with diverse skill sets and a shared vision for the future of Norwegian skiing. The Ski Congress, the highest decision-making body of the Norwegian Ski Federation, will convene on June 6-7, 2026, to formally elect the new president and executive board. The current president, Tove Moe Dyrhaug, will conclude her term at this congress, marking the end of her leadership.
H2: Background and Context of the Nomination
The nomination of Roger Finjord and Ida Pinnerød comes at a time when Norwegian winter sports continue to hold a prominent position on the global stage, consistently achieving success in major international competitions such as the Olympic Games and World Championships. However, like many national sports federations, the Skiforbundet faces ongoing challenges related to funding, athlete development, environmental sustainability, and maintaining broad participation across all age groups and disciplines. The leadership transition represents an opportunity to address these challenges with fresh perspectives and renewed strategic direction.
The election committee’s meticulous process, culminating in this nomination, typically involves extensive consultations with various stakeholders within the ski community, including clubs, regional associations, and former athletes. The chosen candidates are expected to embody the values and aspirations of Norwegian skiing while possessing the necessary acumen to navigate the complexities of modern sports governance. The emphasis on Finjord’s background in football, a sport with a massive participation base, suggests a potential strategy to leverage cross-sport learning and broaden the appeal and engagement with the Skiforbundet.
H3: The Proposed Executive Board: A Blend of Experience and Expertise
In addition to the presidential and vice-presidential nominations, the election committee has put forward a comprehensive slate for the rest of the executive board, showcasing a deliberate mix of experience, professional expertise, and representation from various regions and disciplines. This broad composition aims to ensure that the Skiforbundet’s leadership is well-equipped to handle the diverse needs of its member organizations and athletes.
The proposed board members include:
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Marit Roland, 57, Oppland: A seasoned figure with extensive experience as a coach, athlete, parent, and administrator at club, regional, and national levels. Roland has served as the head of the Oppland Ski Association for six years and was a board member of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (Idrettsstyret) from 2015-2019. Professionally, she is a dean at the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, bringing strong academic and leadership credentials in management and organization.
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Merete Tøndel, 55, Akershus: A returning member from the current Ski Federation board, Tøndel brings significant expertise in business leadership, product strategy, and international sales. Her background in the commercial sector, combined with her passion for sport, is expected to be a valuable asset in developing the federation’s strategic initiatives.
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Børge Benum, 62, Akershus: A former ski jumper, Benum combines sports-specific knowledge with a strong legal and management background. As an attorney and legal advisor, he will provide crucial legal expertise to the board. His MBA in strategy and management from NHH (Norwegian School of Economics) further strengthens his leadership capabilities. Benum has expressed a commitment to fostering a culture of openness and fair play within ski jumping.
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Roar Karlsen, 59, Oslo: Currently serving as the head of the alpine committee on the existing board, Karlsen possesses deep experience within the alpine skiing community. His professional background as a general manager in the furniture industry has provided him with extensive experience in sales, marketing, and leadership, which will be valuable in preparing for major alpine events, such as the potential Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik in 2029.
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Mari Kvaale Sletvold, 26, Sør-Trøndelag: Continuing as a board member, Sletvold represents the younger generation of sports leaders. She has been actively involved in sports governance since the age of 18, including her role in the Trøndelag Sports Association. Currently pursuing a degree in economics and administration at NTNU, she is a strong advocate for youth engagement and equal opportunities in sports. Her blend of volunteer commitment and academic background provides a valuable perspective for the federation’s future strategies.
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Substitute Member Jakob Eiksund Sæthre, 27, Akershus: A versatile individual with a broad range of sports experience as both an athlete and a coach. Sæthre was a member of the national junior team in Nordic combined and has coached athletes across various age groups. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Economics from BI Norwegian Business School and works as an economic analyst, applying his expertise to complex societal issues, which will be highly beneficial for the board’s analytical capacity.
H2: Analysis of Implications and Future Direction
The proposed leadership team, with Roger Finjord at its head, suggests a strategic move towards integrating diverse sporting perspectives and strengthening the federation’s connection with broader societal and economic trends. Finjord’s experience in football management could bring innovative approaches to member engagement, sponsorship development, and grassroots program expansion, potentially drawing parallels from the massive organizational structures and fan engagement strategies prevalent in football.
The inclusion of Ida Pinnerød as vice-president signals a continued emphasis on the crucial link between sport, local communities, and political stakeholders. Her experience as a mayor provides invaluable insight into navigating public policy, securing public funding, and fostering collaborative environments, which are essential for the long-term sustainability and growth of sports federations. This pairing suggests a leadership that is both operationally robust and politically adept.
The composition of the wider board also indicates a commitment to specialized expertise. The presence of individuals with strong backgrounds in finance, law, academic leadership, and business strategy suggests a focus on professionalizing the federation’s operations and ensuring sound financial management and strategic planning. The inclusion of younger board members like Mari Kvaale Sletvold and substitute member Jakob Eiksund Sæthre ensures that the federation remains responsive to the needs and perspectives of emerging generations of athletes and leaders, fostering a more inclusive and forward-looking organizational culture.
The nomination process and the upcoming election at the Ski Congress represent a critical juncture for the Norwegian Ski Federation. The decisions made in June 2026 will shape the direction of Norwegian skiing for years to come, influencing everything from elite athlete development and international competition strategies to the promotion of recreational skiing and the overall health of the sports movement in Norway. The focus on experienced leaders from different sporting backgrounds signals an ambition to build upon existing successes while proactively addressing the evolving landscape of sport.
