Ekholt has spent the past seven years as a senior policy advisor at Save the Children Norway and has a background with the UN Association of Norway, Debt Justice Norway, the Change Factory, and the Norwegian Red Cross. She is the editor of the book "What Do We Do Now?" (2025), which addresses the climate crisis and the Norwegian Oil Fund, and served on ForUM's board from 2013 to 2015.

"The world is facing significant crises, and the need for strong civil society organisations is greater than ever. I believe in the power that arises when engagement and determination come together in an organisation like ForUM. I look forward to working alongside organisations across the country to create a more just and sustainable world," says Ekholt.

Eirik Lindebjerg, chairman of the board, is very pleased with the appointment. "Gina Ekholt brings a unique and inspiring drive to ForUM. She has an exceptional ability to build strong communities and alliances, which will be crucial for Norwegian civil society moving forward. The board are delighted to have hired such a skilled leader, thorough administrator, and strategic thinker as Gina."

Birgitte Lange has served as interim Secretary General following the sudden passing of Kathrine Sund-Henriksen in February this year. Sund-Henriksen was Secretary General of ForUM from 2019.

"It is with sadness and great respect that I take over after Kathrine Sund-Henriksen, and I will do my best to continue the work in her spirit of solidarity," says Ekholt.