He has been the chief executive officer of Widerøe (1988–1997), the Ulstein Group (1997–1999), Oslo Energi Holding (1999–2001) and Statkraft (2001–2010).
[4] In line with his new civil career, he took education at the Norwegian School of Management, and also went through the executive programme at INSEAD in 1986.
[6] He remained in Widerøe for almost a decade, but in November 1996 it was announced that he would take over as the CEO of the Ulstein Group in February 1997.
[6] He has also been chairman of Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani and a board member of E.ON and Cermaq.
In addition to parachuting, Mikkelsen has been practising mountain climbing, diving, kiting, snowboarding, helicopter flying and motocross.
[3] He practiced speed skating, ski jumping and cycling in his young days.