Harald Aarø is the Executive Vice President for Space & Surveillance for Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a business area within Kongsberg Gruppen ASA (KONGSBERG). Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is Norway’s premier supplier of defence and aerospace-related systems and solutions. The company is a leading supplier of defence products and systems for command and control, surveillance, space, tactical communications, remote weapon stations and missiles systems. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace also has extensive capabilities within advanced composite manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul within the aircraft and helicopter market. Since joining the company in 2010, Aarø has been responsible for Business Development and Marketing and Sales for Kongsberg Defence Systems, and EVP Business Development and Strategy for KONGSBERG. Aarø is also a board member of Patria Oyj and KSAT. Previous to joining KONGSBERG, he has held managerial positions in the consumer electronics industry, strategic consulting in McKinsey & Company and managerial positions in the shipping industry. Aarø has also served 11 years with the Royal Norwegian Navy were the last positions were Division Commander and Commanding Officer for Norwegian fast patrol boats. Aarø holds a Master in Business and Administration from Duke University, USA. He is also educated as an officer at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, with a major in Science.
