“Mr. Hauglie-Hanssen’s combined background from space and other industries, as well as public service together with proven achievements in international space cooperation over many years, makes him a very well suited candidate,” Iselin Nybø, the Norwegian minister of trade and industries said in the ministry’s announcement last week.

The Swedish ESA Council Chair Anna Rathsman – who was appointed at the last Council meeting in June – is responsible for the appointment process of the new Director General. The appointment of the new Director General is expected in December 2020.