Envirex strengthens its leadership team – meet the new CEO

For 13 years, Thomas Aunvik has guided Envirex through growth, challenges, and change. Now, he’s passing the torch to Håvard Smørdal, who steps in as the company’s new CEO.
11. March 2025

Thomas Aunvik and Håvard Smørdal

It’s a moment filled with both pride and emotion as Aunvik steps away from the daily operations to focus entirely on developing Envirex Group. Having led the company since the age of 25, he reflects on the transition as both natural and necessary.

“Envirex is in a strong position and ready for its next chapter. For me, this change is about ensuring that the company has the right leader to take it forward, while I focus more on strategic ownership and the development of the group,” says Aunvik.

A carefully planned transition

The leadership shift at Envirex has been thoughtfully prepared. For Aunvik, finding someone who could carry forward the company’s values and strengthen its culture was essential.

“It has always been about people. Collaboration within the team and strong relationships with our clients are at the heart of Envirex,” Aunvik emphasizes.

That focus made the choice of Håvard Smørdal a natural one. With more than 20 years in the oil and gas industry and extensive leadership experience from several major companies, Smørdal brings a combination of business acumen and people-first leadership.

Smørdal says he was immediately drawn to Envirex for three simple reasons: the culture, the competence, and the customer value.

“From the very first meetings, it was clear that Envirex has a fantastic culture built on teamwork and a genuine desire to make each other better. Combine that with deep technical expertise and a drive to deliver robust, cutting-edge solutions – and it was an easy decision to say yes,” Smørdal explains.

Leading Envirex forward

Throughout his career, Smørdal has developed a leadership style centered on trust, development, and innovation – qualities that Aunvik believes fit seamlessly with Envirex’s way of working.

“Technology is a core part of Envirex, but we already have some of the best engineers in the business. Håvard complements that strength with his strategic mindset and ability to build strong relationships – both internally and externally,” says Aunvik.

Smørdal agrees: “For me, it’s vital to foster both professional and personal growth. I want to encourage curiosity, creative thinking, and an innovative mindset – values that are already deeply rooted in Envirex’s DNA.”

Looking ahead, Smørdal is eager to build on the company’s solid foundation.

“As a leading technology company, we will continue to grow and expand into new markets, both nationally and internationally. Our goal remains the same – to deliver quality and create real value for our customers,” he says.

He adds that preparing for the future will also mean embracing change – reducing the company’s environmental footprint, adapting to new market realities, and exploring opportunities beyond current offerings.

Aunvik’s next chapter

While Smørdal takes the helm of Envirex, Aunvik turns his focus toward shaping the future of Envirex Group. And he’s far from slowing down.

“Quite the opposite,” he smiles. “Now it’s about identifying new growth opportunities and driving development beyond oil and gas. Several initiatives are already in motion, and things will happen faster than people might expect. This is a new phase – for me, for the group, and for Envirex as a whole.”