papillon team

Wenche Petlund,
Managing Partner & Founder

Wenche is the Founder and Managing Partner of Papillon Executive, bringing over 15 years of experience as a Trusted Executive Search Advisor. She has a proven track record of successfully identifying and placing top talent in Board, C-level, and other critical leadership positions for a wide range of clients. Her expertise spans multiple industries, and she is highly skilled in coaching, sales, executive search, team building, and management.

Wenche’s career is defined by leadership roles in executive search firms, where she has consistently delivered exceptional results by combining strategic insight, market expertise, and a commitment to excellence. She is recognized for her ability to build strong networks and identify the best candidates, including non-obvious choices, to fulfill her clients’ organizational needs and long-term goals.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from BI Norwegian Business School, with additional qualifications in organizational development and marketing.

Outside of work, Wenche remains energetic and focused through her passion for summer sports, including running, climbing, and sailing. While she appreciates the beauty of Norwegian winters, her enthusiasm is mostly reserved for the sunny, snow-filled weeks.

Frode Pettersen
Partner & Co-Founder

+4747888285
frodepettersen@papillon.global

Frode is Partner and Co-Founder of Papillon Executive . He is known as a valuable advisor to his very lojal clients, who will always seek his advice and input before they enter a C-level or Board recruitment.

Frode has provided his clients and candidates with exquisite cooperation for 15+ years , and is also an unchallenged advisor in assessment situations.

To keep his focus and diligence Frode is solving any remaining challenges on his every day 20.000 + step walks.

Frode is a dedicated Liverpool fan – and the only one who can answer questions like” name a professor in penalty kick”

Kjell I. Johnsen
Senior Advisor International

+4791751360
kij@papillon.global

Kjell is the perfect blend of professional expertise and international charm. With a long and diverse career as an executive, director, and leader, he’s worked across the globe for multinational companies. For the past 20 years, he’s been dedicated to helping Norwegian and international clients find the right talent, recruiting for roles in nearly every industry and function you can think of.

He’s especially passionate about the Life Science and BioTech industries, with a focus on human health and ingredients. Kjell also knows his way around the Facility Services industry, where he’s helped recruit Michelin Star-level executive chefs, corporate culinary directors, and senior leaders across sales, technology, marketing, finance, and more.

But Kjell isn’t all work and no play—far from it! Kjell is a true international spirit who enjoys spending his downtime in a few of his favorite places. Whether tending to his peaceful farm in Denmark, soaking up the charm of Sicily, or unwinding at a cozy mountain cabin in Norway, he finds joy in life’s simple pleasures. These retreats reflect his appreciation for culture, nature, and a well-balanced life.

Oh, and when it comes to career advice? Kjell’s the real deal. Drawing from his own leadership journey, he’s a trusted mentor for leaders navigating transitions, taking bold new steps, or making big career changes. His approach is as personal as it is practical, and he’s always ready with a word of wisdom—or a good story.