
EVERLAND and We Oslo Join Forces to Create Scandinavian Brand- and Design Powerhouse
It’s been nearly three years since we opened our office in Norway. Since then, our team in Oslo has been busy helping clients like REMA 1000, Kolonihagen, Orkla, Pronofa and Ringnes.
Now, we’re ramping up and starting a new chapter with the outstanding Norwegian design agency We Oslo joining EVERLAND.
Moving forward, our Norwegian team will comprise 16 people across brand strategy, client management, design, and artwork realisation. This will strengthen our local presence and experience. For ten years, We Oslo has developed concepts, identities, and communication for beloved brands such as Tine, Solberg & Hansen, Active Brands, Mester Grønn, and many more.
“We Oslo’s work and experience are impressive,” Thomas Gamst, CEO & Founding Partner of EVERLAND, adds. “This is a unique opportunity to bring more skills and resources to help our clients in Norway and internationally. The combination of We Oslo and Everland, and our shared ambition, will contribute to our creative excellence and strategic offering so we can offer brand-related services that bridge commercial strategy and engaging consumer experiences across touchpoints.”
“EVERLAND’s focus on consumers and track record within commercial creativity is a perfect fit for us and our clients,” adds Kristine Lillevik, founder of We Oslo and now Executive Design Director & Partner at EVERLAND. “We both know what value companies gain from a distinct position and engaging design. So it was obvious to join forces to develop further and strengthen our expertise in the Norwegian market while at the same time becoming part of an international agency.”
Hei to Kristine and Lena, Our Two New Partners
Kristine Lillevik founded We Oslo ten years ago. Lena Stølen has been a board member and recently joined the agency as a consultant and partner, while Linn Bakke has been managing the agency for the past six years. A dynamic trio who has created award-winning identities together with their team of designers and artworkers.
“We Oslo shares our ambition to work with the best and most ambitious business leaders in the Nordics and beyond,” says Christian Halsted, Chief Strategy Officer and Founding Partner at EVERLAND. “Now, we’re working together across borders in one agency setup. EVERLAND will remain Scandinavia’s consumer brand and design agency and unite strategy and visual communication for companies across retail, lifestyle and FMCG.”
Kristine Lillevik takes on the role as Executive Design Director in Norway and joins our creative management alongside Mikael Tonning, Executive Creative Director & Founding Partner, and Carl Larsson, Executive Creative Director & Partner. Meanwhile, Lena Stølen will become the Managing Director of our Norwegian operation, while Linn Bakke will take on the role of Client Director.
Scandinavian Roots and Global Reach
The merger is important for our local presence, will bring value to our clients and adds to our international mission. Bringing We Oslo on board builds on our other initiatives to gain international exposure and work in more markets – out of Scandinavia.
“Together, we will be able to lift the strategic competence and shape tomorrow’s consumer brands – nationally and internationally,” adds Lena Stølen, now Managing Director in Norway and Partner in EVERLAND. “Extensive international experience and a brand-driven business strategy will create great value for the further development of the Norwegian market, which is experiencing greater competition, yet also more opportunities, than ever before.”
The integration of the two agencies is expected to be completed throughout 2024. After this, the two teams will work from the same office in Oslo, and all employees will be up and running in their new roles.