We are thrilled to welcome Anja Munro to the Norway Chess team as our new Chief Financial Officer.

Anja brings a wealth of international leadership experience to the role, having served as both CEO and CFO across a wide range of industries, from legal services and manufacturing to real estate, telecoms, and IT. With an impressive academic background and a leadership philosophy built around people as much as performance, she is a powerful addition to Norway Chess as the organisation continues to grow.

Welcome to Norway Chess, Anja! This is a significant role, how does it feel to be joining the team?

Thank you! It feels fantastic to join Norway Chess. I’m proud to be part of a team that keeps redefining how chess can inspire and engage people. The organization’s growth and global reach are truly impressive, and I’m excited to help shape the next chapter alongside such talented colleagues.

You’ve held both CEO and CFO roles throughout your career. What is it about the financial leadership side that you’re most drawn to?

What really draws me to financial leadership is the ability to connect strategy with real impact. It’s not just about managing numbers — it’s about shaping direction, enabling decisions, and creating value. I love using financial insight to turn ideas into action and to help teams see the bigger picture behind the figures.

Norway Chess is at an exciting stage of its development, particularly with the growth of Total Chess. What attracted you to the organisation at this moment in time?

Norway Chess is at such an exciting point — the momentum and potential here is what drew me in. The organization has such a strong foundation and global reputation, yet it continues to innovate — especially with the development of Total Chess. I’m inspired by that forward-thinking mindset and the ambition to make chess even more accessible and engaging for new audiences. It feels like the perfect moment to contribute and help shape the next phase of growth.

As CFO, you’ll be helping to steer the financial future of Norway Chess. What are your priorities as you settle into the role?

My first priority is to really understand the organization from the inside — how the different parts work together, what drives value, and where the biggest opportunities lie. From there, it’s about strengthening the financial structures that support sustainable growth and continued innovation. I want the finance function to be a genuine asset to all stakeholders, providing clear insight that helps the organization make informed decisions, seize opportunities, and deliver long‑term value. At the same time, I see finance as a strategic partner for the whole team — not just reporting on the numbers, but helping to shape direction and turn ideas into action.

You grew up across multiple countries and have worked in international environments throughout your career. How do you think that shaped you as a leader?

It has influenced me a lot, both personally and as a leader. Growing up and working in different countries has made me very aware that people see the world through different lenses, and that you get the best results when you genuinely listen and adapt rather than assume.

It has also made me comfortable with change and complexity — new contexts, new cultures, and new ways of working don’t feel threatening, they feel energising. As a leader, that means I try to create an environment where people feel respected, included, and able to bring their own perspective to the table, while still being clear on direction and expectations.

Your leadership philosophy centres on developing both the business and the people within it. What does that look like in practice for you?

In practice, this means for example one-on-ones to align personal strengths and aspirations with business goals showing how individual roles tie into the overall strategy. The result is a reinforcing cycle where empowered people drive stronger results, and company progress unlocks their further potential. I believe that individual growth fuels organizational success, while the business’s evolution creates new opportunities for people to advance together.

We have to ask, do you play chess yourself?

I find chess a truly fascinating game — a strategic battle of wits on a compact board that demands sharp intellect. In my youth, I played regularly with my older brother, and during high school, I competed in a school tournament. Unfortunately, I stopped playing consistently after that and now only enjoy it occasionally.

And finally, outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Outside work, most of my free time goes to supporting our daughter, who is a passionate football goalkeeper! However, I love cooking, travelling and hiking. I also enjoy playing golf and tennis, but there has not been much time for this lately. However, I have taken up padel together with my daughter.