Jon Espen Nergård

Jon Espen Nergård is a technology and media executive with more than 20 years of experience across the Nordic telecom, pay-TV, streaming, OTT and data sectors. Much of his career has been spent at the intersection of business strategy and technology, helping organisations navigate complex transformation programmes and make pragmatic technology decisions.

As Head of IT Strategy at Telia Norway, he is responsible for shaping the company's technology direction, including enterprise architecture, modernisation initiatives and AI strategy. He works closely with business leaders to translate commercial priorities into a coherent technology roadmap for Norway's second-largest telecommunications operator.

Prior to Telia, Jon Espen served as CTO of Allente, the joint venture between Viaplay and Telenor, where he led technology strategy and transformation in a rapidly evolving media landscape. He has also chaired Nordic Content Protection and held a range of leadership roles across the Nordic broadcast, satellite and streaming industries.

Drawing on experience from both operator and media perspectives, Jon Espen brings practical insight into navigating complex joint venture and group structures, implementing technology change at scale, and distinguishing genuine AI value from hype. He is known for his preference for clear strategic direction, tangible outcomes and technology decisions grounded in business reality rather than slideware.