NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster has welcomed Nestor Norge as a new member, strengthening the cluster’s access to experienced defence-sector expertise and leadership competence.
Nestor Norge operates as a bridge between personnel with backgrounds from the Norwegian Armed Forces and organizations in the public and private sectors that require strategic competence, operational experience, and specialized defence knowledge. This role aligns closely with NORDSEC’s ambition to help member companies strengthen their relevance and delivery capability in the defence market.
During the cluster’s annual meeting, members highlighted the need for actors that can contribute to increasing defence-sector understanding among companies, connecting competence to concrete cases and deliveries, and supporting the early phases of tender and collaboration processes. Nestor Norge’s approach—providing access to experienced professionals from the defence sector—represents a practical contribution to the cluster’s overall value creation.
“We see a growing need for companies to access experienced personnel who understand how the defence sector works, from decision-making structures to operational requirements,” says Rune Jakobsen CEO at Nestor Norge.
“By joining NORDSEC, we look forward to contributing with competence that can help companies navigate the defence landscape and strengthen their ability to deliver relevant solutions.”
Connecting defence experience with industry needs
Nestor Norge assists former defence personnel in transitioning to civilian careers by connecting experienced leaders and specialists with organizations that require expertise in consulting, interim management, and project leadership.
The company maintains an updated registry of available competencies and can rapidly deliver security-cleared candidates tailored to customer needs. Flexible pricing models are applied depending on the scope of the assignment and the qualifications of the candidate.
Nestor Norge is also approved under the dynamic purchasing system (DPS) across several key institutions in the Norwegian defence sector, including the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Forsvarsbygg and Statens graderte plattformtjenester. The approvals cover procurement of expertise in areas such as strategic advisory services, public procurement and logistics, project management, and ICT implementation.
“Personnel with a background from the Armed Forces represent a unique combination of leadership experience, operational understanding, and security competence,” Jakobsen says.
“Our role is to connect this expertise with organizations that need it—whether for strategic advisory roles, interim leadership, or project execution.”
Rune Jakobsen, CEO Nestor Norge
Experience already deployed across key institutions
Nestor Norge has already delivered expertise to several public and defence-related organizations. For example, four senior advisors from Nestor contributed to planning and executing exercises for the Departmental Security and Service Organisation, supporting a seamless transition for ministries and government offices moving into Norway’s new government quarter.
Other assignments include leadership roles within the Norwegian Armed Forces Logistics Organisation, project security leadership positions at Forsvarsbygg, and operational planning support at Andøya Space and Defense.
One Nestor candidate has also been recruited permanently by Space Norway with responsibility for personnel security and the physical protection of installations in mainland Norway and on Svalbard.
Strengthening the defence ecosystem
By connecting highly experienced former military professionals with companies and institutions that require their expertise, Nestor Norge contributes to strengthening the broader defence and security ecosystem.
“We are very pleased to become part of the NORDSEC network,” Jakobsen adds. “The cluster represents an important arena where industry, competence and defence-related stakeholders meet. We believe our experience and access to senior expertise can be a valuable contribution to the cluster and its member companies.”