Government names Sæther new Governor of Svalbard

The Government has appointed Jens Olav Vestgøte Sæther, 58, as the new Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren), the Ministry of Justice and Public Security announced on Friday 25 September. He succeeds Lars Fause, who leaves the post in January after almost six years.

Sæther was first chief prosecutor at the Oslo office of the state prosecutors when he was named. He was assistant governor on Svalbard from 2014 to 2016.

The justice minister, Astri Aas-Hansen, said Sæther is well qualified and knows conditions on Svalbard well. She said he can contribute to long-term management in line with Svalbard policy. She also thanked Fause for his work, calling him a solid governor who had delivered a good result.

The Governor is the Government's highest representative on Svalbard and central to carrying out Svalbard policy, exercising authority and managing the archipelago. The post is a fixed term of three years, with an option to extend by up to three years.

Sæther holds a law degree from the University of Oslo, awarded in 1994, and has long experience in the prosecution service.

Coverage: Folkebladet