Business

Adrenaline junkie Søren making digital waves in Northern Ireland

Søren Rode Andreasen, chief digital officer, Danske Bank UK
Søren Rode Andreasen, chief digital officer, Danske Bank UK Søren Rode Andreasen, chief digital officer, Danske Bank UK

THIS week's High Flyer is Søren Rode Andreasen, chief digital officer, Danske Bank UK

What was your first job?

I have been working since the age of 12. My first job was in our family shop, where I made deliveries across Copenhagen on my bike to earn money. I didn’t earn a lot, but I did learn the value of money, since, like Ireland, it’s also quite rainy in Denmark.

What qualifications do you have?

I have a Master’s degree in Software Engineering and Civil Engineering. I also did a two-year course concurrently to get a certificate in Business Administration and later another two-year programme at Copenhagen Business School. I believe in the need for continuous education throughout life.

What do you attribute your success to?

First and foremost, I have a huge passion for what I do. I’m looking forward to be sharing some of this passion when I speak at Digital DNA this June.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?

Social, creative, knowledgeable, but also, if I’m honest, quite impatient.

Who do you look up to in business?

I think Jeff Bezos has done some amazing things at Amazon and has an approach to leadership that many other businesses can learn from.

How do you get the best out of people who work for you?

I set a high ambition level, but trust my team to figure out how to deliver the best results. They know I will always be there to support them.

If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

Workforce mobility needs to increase in Northern Ireland. Things are changing faster and faster, so we need structures that allow companies and employees to adapt and change as well. At Danske, I am ensuring that our employees have access to high-end technology for communications with each other and with customers.

What website or app could you not do without?

Aside from Danske’s banking apps, I think Facebook is brilliant. My family and friends are spread across Europe, so it is the best way for us to keep in touch.

What was the last book you read?

Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, John King and Halee Fischer-Wright.

What car do you drive?

Mercedes E-43.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I love taking part in adrenalin-inducing activities to clear my head, particularly diving and skiing. Work wise, I am the only Dane on the bank’s executive committee in Northern Ireland. Friends in Denmark tell me I am already picking up bits of the Northern Irish accent.

What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?

Definitely travelling. I travel a lot as part of my job, but there is rarely time for anything but meetings. Northern Ireland itself is a beautiful place, and I look forward to doing more outdoor pursuits here when the weather improves.