Thommessen has more than 26 years of experience as a business lawyer. Alongside his legal expertise, he is recognised for his work on value-based leadership, strategy, transactions, negotiations and ESG compliance, and for his commitment to people facing demanding circumstances.

He has a strong interest in psychedelic medicine: “As an impact investor, it is rare to come across a field that can change the lives of so many people for the better. When I looked into psychedelic medicine, I learned about the enormous potential the medicine holds, and had my suspicion confirmed that the protocols for treating mental illness have not changed since the introduction of antidepressants, which carry dangerous side effects. The combination of ever more people becoming disabled due to mental health, a historically limited ability to improve their treatment, and the potential of psychedelic medicine to contribute, made the decision to work in this field quite easy. The exceptionally strong professional community we have gathered in Axon Research Foundation will build the bridge between research and effective treatment of mental health challenges.”

Thommessen also serves on the board of Axonklinikken AS, and holds several investments and board positions in other contributing companies.

He is committed to the foundation having a robust structure and sound governance, and brings expertise in ethical frameworks, finance, strategy and board work.