Hello! I'm Chris
I'm a dynamic 39-year-old professional with a rich background spanning from Norway to Mexico.
I currently serve as Chief Operating Officer at Atlas Garanti AS, a regulated surety intermediary and part of WECOYA, a leading European underwriting and insurance distribution platform backed by the GGW Group.
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I hold overall responsibility for the company’s operations and financial management,
including leadership of the Sales, Surety, Underwriting, Risk, and
Account Management functions across the Nordic organization.
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Prior to my current role, I served as Department Manager within Sales and Procurement at
Bama Gruppen AS, Norway’s market leader in fresh fruit and vegetables, with responsibility for procurement, large‑scale supply chain operations, supplier negotiations, and commercial performance in highly time‑critical environments
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I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Management from BI Norwegian Business School and am driven by a strong curiosity for the human experience, with a natural ability to
build trusted, long‑term relationships.
Christer Grahhaug
COO Atlas Garanti AS -
Executive Master of Management
+47 958 73 711
Email:
Address:
Oslo, Norway
Date of Birth:
June 16th, 1986
Phone:
EXPERIENCE
2025-present
COO
Atlas Garanti AS
As Chief Operating Officer at Atlas Garanti AS, I hold overall responsibility for the company’s operations and financial management, combining operational leadership with full CFO responsibility in a regulated insurance intermediary. I have line responsibility for the core functions Sales, Surety, Underwriting, Risk, and Account Management, ensuring alignment across the entire value chain.
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I am responsible for end‑to‑end execution, covering operational delivery, financial control, and regulatory requirements. This includes result and balance responsibility, internal and external reporting, presentation of financial performance to management and the Board, and group reporting towards WECOYA / GGW Group.
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The role involves close coordination with external accountants, auditors, and group stakeholders to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance.
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By combining structured financial governance, cost‑efficiency initiatives, and cross‑functional leadership, I ensure operational robustness, financial discipline, and scalability at Atlas Garanti, supporting sustainable growth in a highly regulated and internationally integrated environment.
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2018-2025
Department Manager Sales & Procurement
Bama-Gruppen AS
As Department Manager at Bama Sourcing, I initially established and built the department from the ground up, starting as a one‑person function and subsequently scaling it into a fully operational team of nine professionals consisting of Key Account Managers, Procurement Management, and Purchasers.
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I held end‑to‑end (A–Z) responsibility across sales, procurement, supplier negotiations, and time‑critical supply chain operations, ensuring seamless execution from initial customer engagement through purchasing, logistics coordination, and final delivery.
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By combining strong commercial insight with disciplined procurement practices and cross‑functional coordination, I developed a high‑performing unit that contributed directly to improved service levels, operational stability, and sustainable commercial performance in one of Norway’s most demanding supply chain environments.
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2014-2018
Category Buyer
Bama Gruppen AS
As a Category Buyer at Bama Sourcing, I held responsibility for strategic procurement and category management within fresh produce, including Norwegian berries, apples, and greenhouse products. I worked closely with a broad network of suppliers across complex, high‑volume and time‑critical supply chains, where reliability, quality, and timing were essential to business performance.
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My responsibilities included supplier negotiations, pricing and contract management, as well as ongoing coordination with logistics, terminals, and internal stakeholders to ensure stable supply and efficient execution. I played an active role in aligning procurement decisions with demand patterns, availability constraints, and commercial objectives, while continuously working to optimize procurement processes and material flows.
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Through a disciplined and analytical approach to procurement and negotiations, combined with strong supplier relationships, I contributed to improved cost efficiency, supply reliability, and long‑term profitability, while ensuring compliance with ethical sourcing standards and quality requirements in one of Norway’s most demanding fresh‑produce supply chains.
2010-2014
Sales Consultant
Henriksen Brenselforretning AS
As a Sales Consultant at Henriksen Brenselforretning and Peisforum, I worked with consultative, solution‑based sales within heating solutions and fireplaces, supporting both private and professional customers. The role required strong product knowledge across fireplaces, stoves, chimneys, and related installations, combined with a clear understanding of technical requirements and customer needs.
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Key responsibilities included needs assessment, customer advising, and solution design, ensuring that each customer received a tailored and compliant solution adapted to their specific property and usage requirements. I managed the full sales process, from initial consultation and product selection to coordination of delivery, installation, and follow‑up.
2009-2010
Corporal
Norwegian Armed Forces
I completed compulsory military service in the Norwegian Army, serving in the Cavalry Squadron (Brigade Nord), where I held the rank of Corporal and served as Patrol Leader with documented leadership responsibility. The role required a high degree of accountability, initiative, and sound judgment in demanding operational environments.
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During service, I demonstrated strong ability to take and manage responsibility, including leading the patrol in situations involving significant physical and psychological strain. I was regularly required to take initiative and make decisions under pressure, often with limited information, while ensuring effective coordination and communication within the team.
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I am described as reliable, cooperative, and possessing strong situational awareness and judgment. My service record highlights excellent conduct, strong teamwork skills, and the ability to remain composed and effective under stress, contributing positively to unit performance and morale.
2009-2009
IT Manager
Urtehaven AS
As IT Manager at Urtehaven AS, I played a key role in transforming the company’s operational processes through the implementation of Visma Business. The project involved integrating and streamlining several core functions, including customer registration, order processing, invoicing, and production workflows.
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By establishing structured system support for operational processes, I contributed to improved data quality, more efficient order handling, and better operational visibility across the organization.
The implementation supported a more scalable and reliable operational setup, laying the foundation for improved control and efficiency in daily operations.
2006-2009
Team Leader Backoffice
Fersk AS
As Team Leader Back Office at Fersk AS, I was responsible for leading and coordinating daily back‑office operations.
I worked closely with sales and operations to ensure efficient routines, accurate handling, and smooth internal processes.
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My role focused on improving workflows, creating structure, and supporting the organization with reliable operational follow‑up. Through a hands‑on approach, I contributed to increased efficiency and better control in day‑to‑day operations.
EDUCATION
BI Norwegian Business School
This Executive Master’s degree focus on leadership, governance, and decision‑making in complex and regulated environments. The program strengthens strategic and operational leadership capability by combining academic rigor with applied perspectives drawn from real‑world organizational challenges.
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My studies emphasized organizational leadership, governance, risk management, compliance, security awareness, cultural understanding, and ethical reflection, with a particular focus on how leaders can manage uncertainty, risk, and accountability across both private and public sector organizations.
The program equips leaders with the competence to translate regulatory and governance requirements into practical, value‑creating operational execution.
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Through advanced coursework and applied learning, the program enhanced my ability to lead across functions, assess risk, drive sound decision‑making, and operate effectively at the intersection of strategy, operations, finance, and governance.
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Cultural Understanding, Negotiations, and Ethical Reflection: B -15p
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Organizing for the Unexpected: A - 15p
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Security Management and Conflict Resolution: B - 30p​
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2024-2025
Executive Master of Management -
Organizational Leadership
2021-2025
Bachelor of Management-
Organizational Leadership
BI Norwegian Business School
This Bachelor’s degree provides a broad and practice‑oriented foundation in management and organizational leadership, with emphasis on leadership development, security management, negotiations, operations, and business fundamentals. The program combines theoretical insight with applied coursework, preparing students for leadership roles in complex organizational settings.
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The academic focus covers leadership theory and practice, change management, project and operations management, negotiation techniques, and security leadership, complemented by solid grounding in economics, marketing, and organizational understanding.
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Change Management in Practice: B - 7,5p
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Human Resource Management: C - 7,5p
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Project Management 1: B - 7,5p
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Leadership in Theory and Practice: B - 7,5p
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Negotiation and Negotiation Techniques: B - 7,5p
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Logistics and Marketing: A - 7,5p
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Fundamental Business Economics: A 7,5p
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Effective Team and Influence through Leadership: C - 7,5p
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Marketing Management: D - 7,5p
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The Company: E - 7,5p
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Security Management: B - 30p
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Leadership in Action: B - 30p
2024-2025
Master Subject in Business and Human Rights
University of Bergen
Academic focus on democratic governance, democratization, and business and human rights, with emphasis on institutional responsibility and societal development.
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Democracy Assistance and Democratization: D - 15p
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Business and Human Rights: C - 15p​
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2024-2025
Spanish Language and Latin-American Studies
University of Bergen
I began this academic journey following an exchange period in Mexico, where I developed strong practical Spanish skills and a deep interest in Latin American culture and society.
The program allowed me to formalize and strengthen my Spanish language proficiency, while broadening my understanding of the historical, social, and political contexts of Latin America.
The studies enhanced my ability to communicate effectively across cultures and operate confidently in international and multicultural environments.
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Spanish Grammar I: C
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Latin American Literature and Culture I: C
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Latin American History: B
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Spanish Grammar II: C
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Latin American Literature and Culture II: B
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Culture and Society in Latin America: B
SKILLS
Operational Leadership
Governance, Risk & Compliance
Cross‑Functional Leadership
Negotiations & Commercial Management
Finance Management & Oversight
Operational Efficiency & Cost Optimization
Supply Chain & Procurement
Strategic Decision‑Making in Regulated Environments
HOBBIES
I have a strong interest in travel and cultural exploration, and I enjoy discovering new destinations, perspectives, and ways of life. Experiencing different cultures has strengthened my adaptability, curiosity, and appreciation for diversity.
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Over time, I have also developed a strong intellectual curiosity and appetite for continuous learning, actively exploring opportunities to expand my knowledge and deepen my understanding of leadership, governance, and society. This interest has been a key driver behind my continued academic development later in my career.
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In my spare time, I am an enthusiastic diver and photographer, drawn to nature and particularly the underwater world for its demand for focus, awareness, and respect for the environment. Exploring and capturing natural settings through photography allows me to combine creativity with presence and reflection.
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I also enjoy food and gastronomy, exploring flavors and culinary traditions from different cultures, as well as staying up to date with digital trends and technology. To unwind, I appreciate spending time with films, series, and occasional gaming, valuing balance between curiosity, creativity, and recovery.