Hege Nilssen takes the helm at NAV: A visible leader who genuinely connects with people

There has been plenty of speculation lately, but the wait is finally over. Internal sources in the government offices confirm that Hege Nilssen has been appointed as the new Director of NAV. She joins from an equally demanding role as Director of the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training, and now takes charge of the country's largest agency. This might come as a surprise to some, but for those who have followed her career, it feels like a natural—if bold—move.

From Bufdir to the top of NAV

Nilssen—or Gunn Hege Nilssen, as she is listed in official documents—is no stranger to the public sector. Before her time at the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training, she led the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir). This background gives her a unique understanding of the vulnerable life situations that NAV often finds itself at the centre of. High-level sources describe her as an exceptionally clear leader, one who isn't afraid to have difficult conversations and who puts people before systems.

What does this mean for NAV?

NAV has had a challenging few years, with a focus on trust, digitalisation, and not least, tackling social exclusion. Now, a new captain is set to steer the ship. I think we can expect a director who doesn't just look at the numbers in a spreadsheet but truly understands how decisions affect people in their own homes. That's exactly what's needed right now.

Expectations are sky-high, and Nilssen takes over an agency that impacts every single one of us—whether you're a job seeker, a retiree, or a parent of young children on sick leave. She herself has made it clear that her door will always be open to employees, and that her main priority will be to ensure NAV delivers on its societal mission.

• Experience at the top: She has already led two large government agencies (Bufdir and the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training).
• Knows the system: She understands the political landscape and has the ability to navigate complex budget negotiations.
• People-first approach: Throughout her career, she has shown she puts the needs of citizens first—something crucial for rebuilding trust.

Without a doubt, it will be a tough start. Nilssen will need to get up to speed on a complex organisation with over 19,000 employees and countless digital systems that constantly need upgrading. But if anyone is ready for the challenge, it's her. Hege Nilssen is known for being a quick learner, and with the instinct she brings from her previous top roles, there’s little doubt she will make her mark on NAV quickly.

It will be interesting to see how she balances political expectations with day-to-day operations. One thing is certain: with such an experienced leader at the helm, the future of Norway’s most important welfare agency looks brighter than it has in a long time.