Rainforest Foundation Norway's Annual General Meeting:
Leaders from policy, science and finance joins RFNs board
British environmental champion and former minister Lord Zac Goldsmith, prominent biology professor Dag O. Hessen, and leading finance executive Jan Erik Saugestad joined our board in June.
“By bringing in experts from science, finance and global politics, we strengthen our ability to understand and respond to the challenges facing the world’s rainforests,” said Secretary General Tørris Jæger.
Lord Zac Goldsmith is a British environmental advocate, former UK government minister, and sitting member of the House of Lords. For decades, he has been a prominent voice for protecting the environment.
“I have long admired Rainforest Foundation Norway for its focus on solutions led by Indigenous peoples and local communities, combined with international advocacy aimed at decision makers and the private sector. I look forward to helping mobilise stronger and more effective action to safeguard the world’s priceless tropical rainforests,” says Lord Zac Goldsmith.
Dag O. Hessen. Photo: RFN
Professor Dag O. Hessen is one of Norway’s leading biologists and the author of several acclaimed books on nature and the environment. He is known for his scientific expertise, long-standing commitment, and ability to bridge research, policy, and public engagement.
“I am pleased to join the board of Rainforest Foundation Norway,” says Dag O. Hessen.
“By protecting the rainforest and its unique biodiversity, the foundation delivers a triple benefit: it shields nature’s richness, strengthens the climate, and supports the Indigenous peoples who live in the forest.”
Jan Erik Saugestad. Photo: Storebrand
Jan Erik Saugestad is Chief Executive Officer of Storebrand Asset Management and has been central to pushing the financial sector toward sustainability and withdrawing investments that contribute to rainforest destruction.
“Rainforest Foundation Norway has for many years been an important partner for Storebrand Asset Management in our effort to stop deforestation, not least by highlighting how our portfolios face deforestation risk,” Saugestad says.
“As a board member I want to build on that work and help Rainforest Foundation Norway reach a larger share of the international financial sector. With its expertise and broad network, the organisation is well placed to guide investors in moving capital away from activities that harm the rainforest, so we can preserve the forest’s ecosystem services that the economy relies on.”
Marius Holm Photo: Mads Kristiansen
Marius Holm remains chair of RFN’s Board. He stressed the need to strengthen ties between science, politics, and finance, noting, “As pressure on the rainforests grows, this new team delivers exactly that.”
Continuing board members
Several familiar faces remain on the board, continuing to add value to RFN’s mission:
• Marius Holm: Chair since 2023, former head of climate group Zero and current communications director at mobility company Vy
• Hanne Bjurstrom: Co chair since 2024, lawyer and former Minister of Labour and Inclusion with deep public service experience
• Espen Ruud: Board member since 2023, finance lead at the Norwegian Refugee Council with twenty years of humanitarian accounting expertise