Jan-Erik Larsen has been confirmed as conference moderator for the upcoming Forsvarskonferansen - Nordic Defence and Security Conference.
Larsen is the Managing Director and partner at the communications agency Kruse Larsen, which he founded in 2015. He is one of Norway’s most experienced advisors within strategic communications, reputation management, and political processes, and is widely used as a moderator, debate leader, and keynote speaker.
He has extensive experience advising senior executives, boards, and leadership teams on communication strategy, organizational change, media relations, and crisis management. Larsen is also known for his work in helping organizations navigate complex societal and political developments.
Earlier in his career, Larsen served two terms as State Secretary to Jens Stoltenberg at the Office of the Prime Minister, during both Stoltenberg governments. He has also held political roles at local and regional level, and has a background as a journalist and editor.
Larsen is a frequent political commentator in Norwegian media and hosts the podcast “Podkast uten portefølje,” focusing on politics and current affairs.
He will serve as master of ceremonies at the Nordic Defence and Security Conference, where he will lead the program, keynote sessions, and panel discussions.
Larsen also served as conference moderator at the 2024 and 2025 editions of the event.
Forsvarskonferansen - Nordic Defence and Security Conference brings together representatives from defence, industry, academia, and the public sector to address security challenges, preparedness, innovation, and Nordic cooperation.
Additional speakers and program details will be announced continuously in the lead-up to the conference.