Spotlight: Håvard Matre

Country Manager Håvard Matre rushes in straight from a meeting with Bane NOR. This is no ordinary customer meeting, since Bane NOR is Omega 365's largest client in Norway and its sixth largest worldwide. Recent projects with the customer have been through a challenging period.

“2024 was a tough year,” he admits openly. “We saw that our system did not scale well enough. With tens of thousands of users each month and hundreds of millions of documents for each client, it became heavy. The more changes we made, the clearer it became how crucial it was to ensure quality. Bane NOR experienced system challenges during the transition, which gave us valuable learning and insights for further improvement.”

Today’s positive customer meeting reflects the progress made since then.

“We are trending in the right direction. There are always after-effects of major changes, but we are on the right track,” he says with optimism.

A chance beginning

Matre’s path to Omega 365 was anything but planned.

“I had just finished school and played football with some people who had started working at Omega, including Ståle Håheim, who is now Business Development Manager for the software division in Europe. They thought I might be a good fit. I was called to an interview in Stavanger. They had just hired ten people for the first time, and I became number eleven.”

After a year, he was sent to Oslo to work with Hydro, beginning years of commuting between Oslo and Porsgrunn before deciding to return to his studies.

“I completed a master’s degree in industrial economics in Stavanger, which fit perfectly with the work I was already doing at Omega.”

Building a career across Europe

After finishing his degree, Matre returned to Omega. He first traveled to Bonn in Germany to work with the gas company TGE, then moved on to several Aibel projects before becoming Department Manager for the system group in Oslo, with Hydro as a client.

When Statoil acquired Hydro’s oil and gas division, Matre succeeded Ståle Håheim as Department Manager in Stavanger, taking responsibility for Statoil as a client.

“There has been a lot of commuting, but it has worked well. It gives you room to miss home and breaks up the week in a good way,” Matre reflects.

Highs and lows

Over his 25 years at Omega, Matre has taken part in many major projects and milestones, and he reflects on both highs and lows.

“The lowest point came after a meeting with Statoil, when they decided our system would no longer be owned and managed by the projects but instead moved to IT. It meant stepping into the unknown. We had to secure IT certifications and adapt to new requirements, but it also made us more professional. This was in 2010.”

The biggest highlight came when Equinor launched the Johan Sverdrup project.

“They did not want to use their old document management system. We positioned ourselves well, were evaluated, and then chosen. It opened doors to Total, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and others. It was a perfect match since we shared the goals of streamlining and cost savings. That project lifted us to world-class document management.”

On a personal level, implementing Omega 365 with Hydro stands out as particularly rewarding.

“There, you could clearly see the benefits and value for the customer. It was a milestone for both me and Omega 365.”

Håvard Matre has been thriving in Omega 365 the past 25 years. 

Values and community

After 25 years, Omega 365 has become more than just a workplace for Matre. It has become part of his identity.

“I have always enjoyed working at Omega, and that is largely thanks to the people. Disagreements happen, but it always comes down to doing what is best for Omega.”

Along the way, he has found several role models and sources of inspiration within the company.

“There are many I could mention, but together they represent a culture and a set of values that rank among the best I have seen, even internationally.”

Local roots and free time

In 2012, Matre and his family moved back to Etne.

“I did not have to. I already had a house and a network in Stavanger. But I wanted to give my children the same opportunities I had growing up here. If we had not moved home, they would not have had the same choice between city and countryside.”

He has taken an active role in the local community, including serving as leader of the football group in the sports association.

“I have always believed that if you have the capacity and someone asks you, then you say yes. Someone has to take responsibility, and that is an important part of being in a community.”

Music is also a central part of his free time. A few years ago, he and some friends founded the band Makalaust. The idea began as creating a local party band, but recording albums and playing concerts has since become part of his routine.

“When I was young, I asked for sponsorship for guitar lessons and have been part of several bands over the years. Makalaust is made up of people with regular jobs during the day who want to make music and spread good vibes at night. It is about doing what you have the time and desire to do.”

Relaxation and the future

With a demanding job, four children, community involvement, and a band, Matre has still found his own way to unwind.

“The last hour of the day is always completely unplanned. That is when I turn on the TV or tinker around the house and garden. It is a time when nobody needs you, and you can completely disconnect. I also get some exercise with friends.”

Looking ahead, Matre feels motivated and energized.

“I am currently Segment Leader for E134, which includes the Omega 365 offices in Haugesund, Ølensvåg, and Oslo, but I hope to join new projects again. I enjoy being out with customers and clients the most, that is where I draw energy.”

When asked what drives him, his answer is simple:

“I have never been very ambitious, but I am not afraid of the unknown. Whenever I have been asked to take on new roles or responsibilities, I have said yes. I like working with people. And most importantly, I wanted to work with good people, and I found that in Omega.”

About Spotlight

Spotlight highlights and celebrates Omega 365's team members and their efforts. We believe there are contributions, personalities, and developments throughout Omega 365 that deserve recognition and acknowledgment. You may have a colleague who has made a breakthrough, improved workplace moral, or secured a significant contract – we want to know about them and we want to celebrate them! Nominate a Spotlight candidate by sending your tips to lauren@omega365.com.