Espen Kristiansen
Oslo
Summary
Dynamic international business development and account management professional with over a decade of experience driving growth across Europe, LATAM, MEA, and Asia. Demonstrated expertise in opening new markets, negotiating at the C-suite level, and establishing strategic partnerships that enhance organizational success. Skilled in cultivating trust-based relationships through direct engagement, expanding client portfolios, and leading RFPs in competitive sectors. Multilingual and adaptable, poised to lead regional expansion efforts as Director of Business Development for Europe.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Account Executive
Norkon
10.2023 - Current
- - Opened and grew new business regions including Benelux, Baltics, MEA, LATAM, parts of Asia, and the UK, while sharing responsibility for the US market.
- - Drove expansion efforts through events, conferences, and personal presence, leveraging networking to build long-term trust with decision-makers.
- - Built and nurtured a broad network of C-suite and executive-level relationships.
- - Led UK RFPs and negotiations, positioning Norkon as a trusted partner in news media software for clients such as Financial Times, DN, Handelsblatt.
International Key Account Specialist
Airthings
04.2022 - 10.2023
- - Expanded presence in new European regions, negotiating with distributors and large retail chains.
- - Achieved 35% sales growth in newly established territories.
- - Managed international partner communication and built long-term executive-level relationships.
Key Account Manager
Mediq Norge
04.2021 - 04.2022
- - Managed the Nordics region with key clients such as Boots, Farmacia, and Apotek1.
- - Navigated COVID-19 market challenges by introducing rapid antigen tests and negotiating competitive pricing.
- - Collaborated with senior leadership and executives to secure supply contracts across the Nordic market.
Sales Lead
Orange Marketing
01.2020 - 04.2021
- - Designed and executed sales strategy alongside the board, driving 17% sales growth among new hires.
- - Recruited and managed sales talent, while also engaging in direct client acquisition.
- - Negotiated contracts and built partnerships to expand regional sales footprint.
Consultant / Competence Manager
Konsultfokus
06.2019 - 11.2019
- - Managed partner projects and supported sales strategy execution.
- - Focused on competence development and talent acquisition.
Account Manager
Academic Work
08.2018 - 05.2019
- - Managed client accounts and recruitment projects across Norway.
- - Negotiated with executives to deliver tailored staffing solutions.
Founder & Platform Architect
Teach Project
12.2017 - 08.2018
- - Founded and architected a self-learning AI-based training platform, designed to optimize workforce training and reduce organizational costs.
- - Led platform design, development strategy, and stakeholder collaboration to deliver scalable digital learning solutions.
Sales Consultant
Nimbus Direct
08.2016 - 05.2018
- - Responsible for customer development in the private market within fiber deployment for Altibox partners.
- - Built strong client relationships through consistent in-person engagement.
Assistant Store Manager
Soundgarden
03.2013 - 07.2016
- - Assisted in managing Norway’s top-performing Hi-Fi department with focus on the high-end segment.
- - Sold exclusive audio solutions ranging from €50K–500K, from private setups to full house systems.
- - Built strong client relationships through consultative selling.
Education
General Academic Program -
Steinerskolen
01.2009
Skills
- Business development
- Strategic partnership development
- Consultative sales strategy and RFP coordination
- Strategic account oversight
- Pan-European market sales experience
- Contract negotiation
- Team Management
- Market expansion
Languages
Norwegian
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Swedish/Danish
Full Professional
Spanish
Elementary
German – If taking classes it can be entertaining at dinner parties
Timeline
Senior Account Executive
Norkon
10.2023 - Current
International Key Account Specialist
Airthings
04.2022 - 10.2023
Key Account Manager
Mediq Norge
04.2021 - 04.2022
Sales Lead
Orange Marketing
01.2020 - 04.2021
Consultant / Competence Manager
Konsultfokus
06.2019 - 11.2019
Account Manager
Academic Work
08.2018 - 05.2019
Founder & Platform Architect
Teach Project
12.2017 - 08.2018
Sales Consultant
Nimbus Direct
08.2016 - 05.2018
Assistant Store Manager
Soundgarden
03.2013 - 07.2016
General Academic Program -
Steinerskolen