Eirik Wie Furunes (40) will take over as the new general manager for Norconsult’s local office, succeeding Morten Rimer (63). Rimer, who has led the office through significant growth, will remain with the company in a different capacity rather than retiring. The transition is scheduled to take effect this autumn, according to reports from Rana Blad.
How does a leadership transition affect organizational stability?
Succession planning is a critical component of long-term business strategy, particularly in engineering and consulting firms where client relationships are built over decades. By appointing an internal successor like Furunes, Norconsult aims to maintain continuity while integrating fresh leadership perspectives. According to industry standards, internal transitions often result in higher employee retention rates compared to external hiring, as the organizational culture remains intact.
Why do experienced leaders choose to stay after stepping down?
The trend of “encore careers” is growing among executives in their early 60s who seek to reduce administrative burdens while continuing to contribute technical expertise. Morten Rimer’s decision to stay at Norconsult rather than retiring aligns with broader workforce data. The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) reports that an increasing number of senior professionals are opting for part-time roles or specialized advisory positions to maintain professional engagement without the stress of full-scale management duties.
What are the challenges of shifting from management to advisory roles?
Moving from a “boss” role to an advisory role requires a significant shift in interpersonal dynamics. According to organizational psychology research, the primary challenge for outgoing leaders is “letting go” of decision-making authority. For Rimer, the transition involves moving away from the daily demands of the general manager chair to focus on projects or advisory tasks where his experience provides the most value to the firm.
If your firm is planning a leadership change, document all key stakeholder relationships. A smooth transition isn’t just about the person; it’s about the network of clients and partners that the outgoing leader has spent years cultivating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the new general manager at Norconsult? Eirik Wie Furunes (40) has been appointed to the role.
- Is Morten Rimer retiring? No, Rimer will remain with the company in a different role after stepping down from his position as general manager.
- When will the change take place? The leadership shift is expected to occur in the autumn of 2026.
- Why is this transition significant? It demonstrates a planned succession strategy within a major consulting firm, ensuring stability for both staff and clients.
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