Carsten Damgaard appointed CEO of DBI
Published: 18. September 2026DBI's Board of Directors has appointed 55-year-old Carsten Damgaard as the new CEO of DBI with effect from 1 January 2027. He succeeds Jesper Ditlev, who, after 26 years at DBI – 17 of them as CEO – has decided to step down to make way for a well-planned leadership transition.
Carsten Damgaard joined DBI in 2011 and has held the position of Director of Research since 2019, with responsibility for research, development and innovation as well as DBI's overall ambition to help companies turn research and new technology into new solutions, services and business areas. Before joining DBI, Carsten Damgaard gained more than 15 years of experience in project management, innovation and business development at companies such as TDC and Post Danmark. He originally graduated with an MSc in Engineering (Electrical Engineering) from Aalborg University.
With external assistance, DBI's Board of Directors has conducted a thorough recruitment process, and Chairman Johan Prior Knock points out that both internal and external candidates were considered:
“We are very pleased that Carsten Damgaard will become the new CEO. He has an in-depth knowledge of DBI and of the organization's expertise, customers, and role in society. At the same time, he combines strategic vision with the ability to turn complex issues into action. This provides a strong foundation for both continuity and continued growth in a changing market,” says Johan Prior Knock, who also thanks Jesper Ditlev for an invaluable contribution:
“Jesper Ditlev has been behind DBI’s development and growth. With passion and strong organization, he has increased revenue eightfold, among other things by strengthening the focus on customers and the international market. The Board would like to thank him for steering and developing the organization with a steady hand, both in rough and calm waters. I am also grateful that we have been able to find his successor – and the best candidate – internally, and that Jesper will continue as CEO until the end of the year,” says Johan Prior Knock.
Jesper Ditlev has decided to hand over the reins to make room for a new chapter with greater freedom and flexibility – both professionally and personally.
“DBI has been a very big part of my life, and the decision to step down has been difficult and a long time in the making. But after many years of being responsible for DBI, I feel ready for something new. I am looking forward to greater personal and professional freedom – from being able to follow my son’s Ironman competitions around the world, to taking on new assignments that I find interesting and stimulating, to working with my hands and having more time for all the things that are difficult to combine with the responsibility of running an organization,” says Jesper Ditlev and continues:
“Personally, I am proud and very pleased that Carsten will be taking over. We have known each other and worked closely together for many years, which gives us a solid foundation for a good and orderly transition.”
Carsten Damgaard says:
“DBI means a great deal to me, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead the organization. We have strong expertise and talented people who help companies with specific challenges within fire safety and security every day. That work makes a real difference, and it is something I want to help develop further,” says
Carsten Damgaard, who continues:
“I am both pleased and proud of the Board’s confidence in me. At the same time, I am well aware that the role comes with great responsibility. We have already set a clear direction for the years ahead, so my job will not be to turn everything upside down, but to build on what works and, together with employees, customers and partners, make DBI even stronger.”
Until 31 December 2026, Jesper Ditlev will remain CEO with formal management and decision-making responsibility. Carsten Damgaard will continue as Director of Research and prepare for the handover in close coordination with Jesper Ditlev. Formal responsibility as CEO will pass to Carsten Damgaard on 1 January 2027.
DBI will mark the transition with a reception at the beginning of the new year – more information will follow.
Carsten Damgaard
Carsten Damgaard (born 1970) holds an MSc in Engineering (Electrical Engineering) from Aalborg University. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from CBS and a Master of Leadership and Innovation in Complex Systems from CBS. In addition, he has completed continuing education in service innovation at DTU and High Performance Leadership at CBS Executive. He is a member of the Board of ForskByg.
Career
- 2019–present: Director of Research, DBI
- 2011–2019: Head of Research and Development, DBI
- 2010–2011: Senior Consultant, Innovation and Project Management, Post Danmark
- 2009–2010: Head of Innovation, Post Danmark
- 2008–2009: Innovation Project Manager, Post Danmark
- 2005–2008: Senior Project Manager, Post Danmark
- 2005: Project Manager, TDC Forlag
- 2003–2005: Market Manager, Post Danmark
- 1999–2002: Project Manager, Post Danmark
- 1997–1999: Project Manager, Elektricitetsrådet
- 1995–1997: Project Manager, NIRAS
Jesper Ditlev
Jesper Ditlev (born 1965) holds an MSc in Engineering (Civil Engineering) from Aalborg University Centre. He is Chairman of the Board of DBI Certification A/S and CEO of DBI International, DBI Advanced Technologies and DBI Cable Testing. For a number of years, he has served as Chairman of the Board of CFPA Europe and CFPA International, as well as a member of the Board of the GTS Association.
Career
- 2009–present: CEO, DBI
- 2003–2009: Director, DBI
- 2001–2003: Division Manager, DBI
- 2000–2001: Department Manager, DBI
- 1995–2000: Engineer, Bygge- og Miljøteknik ApS
- 1991–1995: Technical Consultant, Træbranchens Oplysningsråd, and Head of Secretariat for Foreningen af Limtræfabrikanter i Danmark
