Independent advisor · Oslo · the Nordics
Product leadership for systems whereoperational stability is everything.
Fifteen years in payments and insurance, from developer to head of department. I take digital products from idea to market, and rebuild organisations so that old core systems deliver like new ones.
- Now
- Lightbulb Solutions AS — independent advisor
- Previously
- Head of Core Solutions, If P&C Insurance
- Base
- Oslo, working across the Nordics
Jørgen Emerslund
Former developer · later head of department
Who I am
Just as comfortable with the leadership team as with technical specialists.
I’m as happy going deep into heavy technology domains as I am lifting my eyes to strategy and business models. As a former developer, and later head of department, I find pragmatic solutions that work in both the short and the long term: from improving processes and organisation to concrete choices in delivery.
I have led Nordic product teams that manage old, rigid core systems while launching new digital services.
Typical engagement
- Cut time-to-market on business-critical platforms — without compromising stability
- Make entire domains product-oriented
- Launch new APIs
- Modernise CRM
Before → after
Six engagements, three industries, one pattern: ownership drives results.
The numbers come straight from the engagements — measured before and after the teams were given ownership.
Old and new, at the same time
Systems from the 1960s. Delivering like new.
1960s
If’s oldest core systems were built
2008
Systems developer, Sportradar
2014
Vipps launches — Netaxept a week ahead
2019
If’s first external API
2025
120 people, 13 teams, 12 releases a year
Expertise
Five things I bring into the room.
- 01
Strategic product leadership
Connects customer and market insight, business goals and what technology makes possible. Balances profitable, time-critical projects with sustainable long-term development.
- 02
Agile transformation
Modernises business-critical core systems by rebuilding the organisation into cross-functional teams — shorter time-to-market, operational stability intact.
- 03
Cross-functional leadership
Builds teams that own both day-to-day operations and long-term direction — across business, IT and design, and across countries.
- 04
Commercial understanding
Has worked close to customers and partners, responsible for delivery quality, relationships and improvement initiatives.
- 05
Stakeholder management
Builds shared priorities out of different needs — in leadership groups, professional communities and technical teams.
Engagements
From Vipps to mainframe.
- 01A product area for the core systemsIf Skadeforsikring · Tribe lead2024–2025
- 02Core Solutions: a Nordic line organisationIf Skadeforsikring · Head of department, 45 employees2021–2026
- 03If’s first external API: quoting and selling car insuranceIf Skadeforsikring · Project manager2019
- 04Partner portal and support for car dealersIf Mobility · Line manager2017–2019
- 05Integrating Netaxept and DIBSNets · Product owner and subject-matter expert2015
- 06The launch of VippsNets, med DNB · Subject-matter expert, Netaxept2014
What motivates me
“Solutions that work in both the short and the long term, efficiently.”
— Jørgen Emerslund
2026–
Lightbulb Solutions AS
Independent advisor, product studio and investments
2017–2026
If Skadeforsikring
Head of Core Solutions · Head of Digital Products, Mobility
2012–2017
Nets
Product owner online payments, Netaxept
2010–2012
ZXY Sport Tracking
Senior Software Developer
2008–2010
Sportradar
Systems developer
