Thomas N. Mikkelsen

International sustainability and energy leader with 25+ years' experience turning climate targets into operational change across Nordic and European markets. Hands-on experience with triple-bottom-line reporting in a major Danish utility and, as energy SME, with harmonising IKEA's energy and CO2 reporting together with their Global Compliance department. Founded, scaled and exited a consultancy focused on the non-technical side of the green transition.

Leads EU research portfolios above €50 million and advises utilities, technology firms and public bodies on energy, data, circularity and customer behaviour. Seeking the Group Sustainability Manager role at Royal Unibrew to connect science-based climate, water and packaging agendas with production, supply chain, reporting and local markets.

Head of International Operations at Smart Innovation Norway (2022-01 – Present)

• Direct international operations, business development and partnerships across Nordic and European markets.
• Lead a multidisciplinary section working on human behaviour in sustainable transformation; commercial advisory to major European utilities and technology companies.
• Manage several active EU Horizon projects with combined value exceeding €50 million.
• Integrated GECO Global after acquisition, retained all staff and expanded the Nordic offering.
• Coordinate EU-India Energy Partnership activities on smart grid knowledge transfer.
• High level consultancy for IKEA AB in Sweden as Subject Matter Expert

Founder and CEO at GECO Global ApS (2018-01 – 2022-12)

• Built a consultancy to strengthen the human and organisational side of the green transition, where technical solutions often failed in implementation.
• Scaled to €2 million+ annual revenue within three years; served Fortune 500 utilities and technology clients.
• Led the strategic sale to Smart Innovation Norway in 2022, with continued employment for all staff

Partner & Director, Consulting at VaasaETT (2014-01 – 2018-12)

• Directed international consulting for energy companies, technology providers and European utilities on market analysis, customer behaviour, innovation and data-driven transformation.
• Appointed to EU Commission expert work on smart grid implementation and data security.
• Built a long-term European energy-sector network used in subsequent policy and commercial work

Chief Innovation Officer at Confederation of Nordic Associations (FNF) for the Nordic Council (2014-01 – 2016-12)

• Won multi-year Nordic Council Green Growth funding and delivered a pan-Nordic education programme on energy, environment and supply, still used by 1,000+ school classes in eight languages.

VP - Strategic Marketing and Sales at Green Energy Options (2011-01 – 2013-12)

• Led European go-to-market for smart home energy management; clients included British Gas and N-Power.
• Directed EU policy engagement on smart home technologies and customer data protection.

Senior Manager, Energy Solutions Strategy at Panasonic Europe (2011-01 – 2011-12)

• Developed the European market-entry strategy for Panasonic's Eco Solutions portfolio (home energy management, solar, heat pumps, ventilation and batteries).
• Worked with Japanese headquarters on aligning product development with European energy-efficiency and low-carbon regulation.

Marketing Director / Head of Communication at SEAS-NVE (now Andel) (2000-01 – 2011-12)

• Led marketing and communications through Denmark's liberalisation of the electricity market.
• Worked with triple-bottom-line reporting (people, planet, profit) in the utility's annual and sustainability communication.
• Awards: Danish Direct Marketing Award, ECHO Award, European Utility Week Award for Best Communicating Energy Company.
• Foundation of later work on energy markets, regulation, customers, reporting and stakeholder management.

Subject Matter Expert (Strategic Consultancy) at IKEA (2014-01 – 2024-12)

5+ years: Subject Matter Expert on energy. Worked closely with IKEA's global compliance function to harmonise reporting on energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Also advised on circular economy, customer experience and sustainability positioning for service offerings.

Strategic Consultant at Major European utilities (2010-01 – 2024-12)

10+ years: customer engagement, smart grid implementation and digital transformation in Denmark, Finland, Norway, the UK and wider Europe.

MBA single course in Strategy and Business Development – University of Southern Denmark (2009-01 – 2009-12)

Master of Arts (Cand.mag.) in Philosophy of Science and History – Roskilde University (1995-01 – 1999-12)

Studies in Philosophy of Science and History – University of Tromsø

Studies in Philosophy of Science and History – NTNU Trondheim