WiLD Norway appoints first Executive Director

Join us in welcoming Lorna Knapstad to WiLD Norway as our first Executive Director

Leadership, healthcare, and operations have been central themes throughout Lorna's extensive career in life sciences. She has more than 35 years’ experience spanning the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology and consulting, with deep expertise in Clinical Operations and Medical Affairs. Over the last 25 years she has held leadership roles across Norway, Europe, and global organisations.

Known for combining strategic vision with hands-on execution, Lorna has successfully led operational excellence, organisational growth, business transformation, and change initiatives in complex international environments. She brings extensive experience building high-performing teams and delivering results through collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Her leadership is grounded in a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, and empowerment. She believes exceptional outcomes are achieved when people feel valued, inspired, and connected to a shared purpose.

A passionate advocate for women in science and leadership, Lorna has actively supported the development of emerging and established leaders throughout her career. She has been involved in international leadership organisations and has been a committed member of Women in Life Sciences Norway (WiLD Norway) since it was founded.

As Executive Director, Lorna brings a unique combination of international leadership experience, operational expertise, stakeholder engagement, and a deep commitment to advancing women's leadership, women's health, and sustainable impact across the life science sector.

Lorna’s appointment to the role follows a highly competitive application process.

Attributable quotes

Lorna Knapstad, Executive Director:

I am truly excited and honoured to take on the role of Executive Director of Women in Life Sciences (WiLD) Norway. Having been a member since the organisation was founded, I have seen first-hand the meaningful difference WiLD is already making in advancing women’s leadership and elevating the importance of women’s health across the ecosystem. I look forward to working alongside an exceptional volunteer team and Board to build on this momentum and strengthen WiLD Norway’s continued growth and influence.

Chelsea Ranger, Founder and Chair:

Every ceiling reached becomes a new floor. From day one, my goal has been for this organisation to outgrow me as a founder - and Lorna joining as our Executive Director is exactly that: a new floor we get to build from.

Her appointment is a validation of what our team and board have achieved over the past two+ years, and the reason we can move from a grassroots organisation to one with the structure and momentum to deliver lasting impact.