Thomas Heinzer founded Network Electronics, the company that eventually became Nevion, in Sandefjord in 1996.
Nevion AS, a Sony Group company, has announced that its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Heinzer, will step down from his role at the end of the current financial year on March 31, 2026. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Heidi Mello Stavnar, has been appointed as the new CEO, effective April 1, 2026.
Heinzer founded Network Electronics in 1996 in Sandefjord, Norway, laying the foundations for what would later become Nevion. Over the past three decades, he has held a range of leadership positions within the company, guiding its growth and transformation. Since Nevion’s acquisition by Sony in 2020, Heinzer has focused on the post-merger integration process, working to align Nevion’s operations and strategy with those of its parent company.
Thomas explained: “As the founder of the company, it was extremely important to me that Nevion should thrive within Sony, in particular by leveraging the fantastic technology and the global market reach of Sony. I am satisfied that Nevion is now in a good place, with excellent collaborations at all levels between the companies, so it’s time for me to take things a little easier! I leave Nevion knowing that the company is in good hands with Heidi at the helm.”
Stavnar joined Nevion in 2006 and has held several senior roles across finance, administration, and human resources. In her current role as CFO, she has worked closely with Heinzer on the integration with Sony and the company’s ongoing development.
Commenting on her appointment, Stavnar added: “I am obviously very excited at the prospect of leading the company that has been part of my life for many years. I look forward to building on the excellent work that Thomas has done, and to deliver continued growth for the company by making our customers and partners successful. Nevion is also certified as a Great Place to Work, and nurturing our can-do culture remains key to achieving those goals.”
Heidi concluded: “On behalf of everyone in Nevion, I would like to thank Thomas for his immense achievements in his 30 years at Nevion, and wish him all the best in the new phase of his life.”
