A farewell to two Danes with great Nordic significance

Jørn Rise has been a driving force in the Nordic collaboration through the Nordic Customs Organisation, and has had a great impact on the international scene.

Two prominent Danish voices in Nordic customs cooperation are now retiring after several decades of work for colleagues in Denmark, the Nordic region and Europe.

Ole Pedersen have through a third of a century edited the magazine and website for DTS, as well as being an international advisor for almost as long.

At the congress of the Danish Customs and Tax Association (DTS), held at Nyborg Strand on 20–21 October 2026, Jørn Rise was honoured as he steps down after 35 years with the association, including 28 years as its undisputed president. Ole Pedersen, editor and chief adviser, is also retiring after 33 years within the Danish organisation.

The Nordic Customs Organisation (NCO) extends its warm thanks to both of them for their contributions throughout their long careers. Jørn Rise and Ole Pedersen have played an important role in strengthening Nordic unity and promoting common interests among the Nordic customs organisations.

NCO was established in 1923. With Jørn and Ole now stepping down, they have contributed to its work for approximately one third of the organisation’s history. This reflects the length and consistency of their commitment.

Their work has been characterised by continuity, experience and a deep understanding of both national and Nordic challenges. In a field where conditions, regulations and responsibilities are constantly changing, such voices have been invaluable.

Jørn Rise has left a lasting mark

Jørn Rise is stepping down after 35 years with the Danish Customs and Tax Association, 28 of them as its leader. This unusually long period of trust reflects his strong position within the organisation. There is even possible that he is the longest sitting president of any labour union in Denmark, at least in the DTS history.

As a token of appreciation, Johan Lindgren (in the middle) from TULL/KUST and Steinar Myhre Knutsen from Norsk Tollerforund, delivered speaches and gifts to the retireing president of DTS, Jørn Rise (on the left).

As leader, he represented Danish customs and tax employees for many years. He also held important positions internationally, including chair of the customs committee and vice-president of the European organisation UFE, the Union of Finance Personnel in Europe.

UFE serves as a voice for customs and tax employees in Europe in dialogue with the EU and represents approximately 400,000 employees. Most Nordic countries are members, with Finland currently being the exception.

Through this work, Jørn Rise helped ensure that Nordic perspectives were part of the European debate. For customs and tax employees, this is about more than organisational work. It is also about highlighting the everyday realities, expertise and public responsibilities of employees working in an important public sector.

An important professional force

Ole Pedersen is retiring after 33 years with the Danish Customs and Tax Association. As editor and chief adviser, he has served as a communicator, adviser and custodian of knowledge.

Such roles often receive less attention than formal leadership positions, but they are essential to ensuring direction and quality in organisational work. Editors and advisers help document developments, explain issues, keep members informed and build a shared understanding.

Ole Pedersen has been a key contributor to Nordic cooperation for many years. His work has strengthened the ties between the organisations and helped facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience across national borders.

For the NCO, it has been important to have people who understand the history while also recognising the practical needs of everyday work. Ole Pedersen has represented precisely this kind of continuity.

NCO recognises their contributions

As an official expression of gratitude, both Jørn Rise and Ole Pedersen will receive the NCO Commemorative Coin of Honour at the next NCO Congress, witch is to be held i Stockholm in 2027.

The honour coin is the NCO’s official symbol of recognition from the collegues in this Nordic professional community. The award acknowledges that their contributions have had significance beyond their own national organisations. As a lifetime achievement award (above 20 years of service in the NCO), they both receive the highest distinction.

The NCO thanks Jørn Rise and Ole Pedersen for their outstanding efforts over all these years. Both have helped advance the interests of Nordic customs employees and keep cooperation between the organisations active and relevant.

Nordic cooperation is built on relationships that endure over time. It requires people who show up, take responsibility and remain committed to the community even when issues are challenging. Jørn and Ole have done exactly that.

Allen Christensen takes over DTS

Following the congress, Allen Christensen was elected as the new leader of the Danish Customs and Tax Association.

He succeeds a leader whose tenure lasted almost three decades. This brings both responsibility and opportunities. For Nordic cooperation, it will be important to maintain the close ties between the Danish, Icelandic, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish organisations and build on the work already accomplished.

The NCO looks back with gratitude on the contributions of Jørn Rise and Ole Pedersen, and looks forward to continued cooperation with the Danish Customs and Tax Association under its new leadership.