GEUS appoints new Deputy Director responsible for business collaboration and innovation

Published 28-09-2026
News

Torben Bach has been appointed as the new Deputy Director responsible for business collaboration and innovation at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) with effect from 1 November 2026. He joins GEUS from a role as State Geologist and Head of Department at the organisation and has previously worked in the private sector for a number of years.

Torben Bach will take up his post as a new Deputy Director of GEUS on 1 November 2026.

Torben Bach holds a degree in geophysics from Aarhus University and an MBA from the same institution. His professional background is wide-ranging and encompasses geoscience, digitalisation, research and development, consultancy and management.

Before joining GEUS, Torben Bach was Head of the Data & Software Services Department at NIRAS. There, he worked on the development of software and data science solutions in the fields of water, energy and the environment. In addition, he has previously worked at I-GIS on research projects in the fields of geological modelling and 3D models, amongst other things.

Lars Nielsen, Managing Director at GEUS, highlights the benefits of combining Torben Bach’s experience from both GEUS and the private sector:

“During his time at GEUS, Torben has forged new avenues for collaboration with companies, research institutions and other external partners. At the same time, he has many years’ experience from the private sector. This combination gives us a strong foundation for bringing GEUS’ expertise even more to the fore in new collaborations on innovation and development.”

Aiming to forge new links between GEUS and the wider world

For Torben Bach, the new role was a natural extension of the work he has been involved in throughout his career – and of his association with GEUS.

“When I read the job advertisement, I felt it was a very strong fit with the common thread running through the work I’ve done over the years. At the same time, I’m deeply committed to GEUS and to the people who work here. We are living in important and challenging times, and if I can bring my experience to bear and help the organisation move forward, I am keen to take on that responsibility,” he says.

One of Torben Bach’s most important tasks will be to identify new opportunities across GEUS and in relation to businesses, research institutions and other external partners.

“We have very strong areas of expertise at GEUS. One of my tasks will be to see how we can link them together even more effectively – both within the organisation and with the wider world. We must maintain our distinctive character and professional integrity whilst at the same time putting our knowledge to even greater use in society and in new collaborations.”

New opportunities for collaboration with businesses

According to Lars Nielsen, there is potential for GEUS’ research and expertise to have an even greater impact through collaboration with businesses.

“GEUS possesses important expertise that touches on issues on the agenda in both Denmark and Greenland, and where there are also clear commercial interests. We need to be at the forefront here, so that our expertise can also create value for society through collaboration with the business sector. Torben’s first task will therefore be to engage in dialogue with the specialist departments about where we are already succeeding and where there is potential to do more,” says Lars Nielsen.

For Torben Bach, it is crucial that new collaborations are based on GEUS’ expertise:

“Strong external collaboration and strong research can support one another. That is why our expertise must be involved right from the start when we develop new collaborations. I’m looking forward to visiting the departments, talking to the employees and hearing about everything they’re working on. Together, we can certainly identify links between areas of expertise and partners that may not be obvious today.”

Torben Bach will take up the post of Deputy Director responsible for business collaboration and innovation on 1 November 2026.

Lars Nielsen
Managing Director
Management
Phone+45 91333870
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