Trond Olav Skrunes appointed as new Editor-in-Chief at Bergens Tidende

"This is undoubtedly a significant challenge, but above all, a fantastic opportunity. I am passionate about journalism, and there is hardly a more exciting and developmental role than leading Bergens Tidende," says Trond Olav Skrunes.

Skrunes comes from the position of News Editor at Bergens Tidende (BT) and has been acting as the Editor-in-Chief since Frøy Gudbrandsen's departure in December 2023. He has extensive experience as a journalist, editorial leader, and editor. Early in his career, he worked for Haugesunds Avis, the student newspaper Studvest, TV 2 and the local newspaper Sydvesten in Fyllingsdalen, Bergen. He then moved to Bergensavisen before joining Bergens Tidende as a journalist in 2008.

After several years as an editorial leader at BT, he went to VG in 2017 and became the head of the news department. In 2020, he returned to Bergens Tidende as the News Editor. Now, he ascends to the top leadership role in the newspaper.

"I have a deep affection for BT and the many talented people who work here. No leader in BT achieves results alone, but with the team we have, I am confident that we will succeed in the years to come. Because we have significant journalistic ambitions," says Skrunes.

"BT holds a unique and crucial position in Bergen and on the west coast of Norway, and we have had remarkable developments in recent years. Just last Monday, BT set a new record. Never before have so many subscribers used bt.no. We will defend and develop the strong position BT has together. I look forward to taking on that task," says Skrunes.

"Trond Olav Skrunes is an experienced publicist who shows very good results in his leadership. Trond Olav knows BT's opportunities and challenges better than most and has clear thoughts on how Bergens Tidende can keep growing. He understands the importance of teamwork to succeed in this work and is a well-liked leader. I am very pleased that Trond Olav will take on the responsibility as Editor-in-Chief," says Øyulf Hjertenes, Chairman of the Board at Bergens Tidende.

Trond Olav Skrunes graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Bergen (1999) and holds an EMBA in strategic management from the Norwegian School of Economics (2018). Skrunes assumes the position immediately.