Leadership and Governance at Equinor: The Role of the Board of Directors
As of June 9, 2026, Jon Erik Reinhardsen serves as the Chair of the Board for Equinor ASA. The Board of Directors holds the overriding responsibility for the management, day-to-day operations, and supervision of the group. Governance at the company is guided by specific rules of procedure and legislation, with a new set of rules for the Board of Directors adopted on May 5, 2026.
Who Comprises the Equinor Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors functions with the support of three sub-committees that act as preparatory bodies for board decisions. According to official Equinor company records, the current leadership structure includes:
- Jon Erik Reinhardsen: Chair of the Board and Chair of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee.
- Anne Drinkwater: Deputy Chair of the Board, Chair of the Audit Committee, and member of the Safety, Security, Sustainability and Ethics Committee.
- Finn Bjørn Ruyter: Member of the Board and Chair of the Safety, Security, Sustainability and Ethics Committee.
- Haakon Bruun-Hanssen: Member of the Board, the Audit Committee, and the Safety, Security, Sustainability and Ethics Committee.
- Mikael Karlsson: Member of the Board, the Compensation and Executive Development Committee, and the Safety, Security, Sustainability and Ethics Committee.
- Fernanda Lopes Larsen: Member of the Board and the Audit Committee.
- Dawn Summers: Member of the Board, the Audit Committee, and the Safety, Security, Sustainability and Ethics Committee.
- Jarle Roth: Member of the Board and the Compensation and Executive Development Committee.
- Hilde Møllerstad: Employee-representative and member of the Audit Committee.
- Frank Indreland Gundersen: Employee-representative, member of the Safety, Security, Sustainability and Ethics Committee, and the Compensation and Executive Development Committee.
- Geir Leon Vadheim: Employee-representative and member of the Safety, Security, Sustainability and Ethics Committee.
How Does the Board Manage Oversight?
The Board of Directors maintains a structured approach to oversight through its three sub-committees. These bodies prepare matters for the full board, ensuring that specific areas—such as audit requirements and safety standards—receive dedicated attention. The rules adopted on May 5, 2026, define the administrative procedures and duties required for the board to supervise the company’s operations effectively. This framework ensures that the group’s management remains accountable to the board’s established rules and applicable legislation.
Key Takeaways
- Governance Structure: Equinor operates under a board-led model where the Board of Directors carries the primary responsibility for corporate supervision.
- Committee System: Three sub-committees—Audit; Compensation and Executive Development; and Safety, Security, Sustainability and Ethics—handle preparatory work for the board.
- Employee Representation: The board includes three employee-representative members, ensuring that the workforce has a direct role in the company’s governance and committee activities.
- Regulatory Updates: The company most recently updated its internal rules for the Board of Directors on May 5, 2026.
The current board composition reflects a mix of independent directors and employee representatives tasked with maintaining the company’s operational and ethical standards. For further details on the professional background of these members, the company provides individual curricula vitae through its official portal.
