Bård Benum (44) has today accepted the position as the new Chief Executive Officer and President of Powel ASA.  Bård Benum comes from the position as CEO of Vital Forsikring and corporate president in DnB NOR.  Benum graduated from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in 1988 with a Master in Science, Industrial Economics.
  
“We are pleased that Bård has accepted to lead Powel in the future. His experience and competency within leadership, strategy and sales, together with his proven track record of delivering results, are valuable in the growth phase of the company” says Asbjørn Søvik, the chairman of Powel ASA.

“Powel is an exciting and innovative company that has created a unique position as market leader in Scandinavia, with great international potential. I am looking forward to assume the position as CEO of the company" says Benum.

Jon Einar Værnes will continue as Powel’s CEO until Bård Benum is in place.

About Powel
Powel ASA, headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, delivers software solutions and related services designed to help energy companies and public utilities increase operational efficiency. The company is a market leader in Scandinavia, and has established offices in Sweden, the U.S., and Canada. Founded in 1996, Powel ASA is a publicly traded company and has grown from 37 employees to more than 240. Growth opportunities for the company remain extremely strong in both the energy industry and the public sector. More information on Powel: http://www.powel.com.

Contacts:
Chairman of the board Asbjørn Søvik + 47 91 13 82 08