Nicolai Tangen, a former hedge fund manager, took the helm of Norway's sovereign wealth fund in 2020 and quickly became a public figure through his weekly podcast, where he interviews global business leaders. Unlike his more reserved predecessors, Tangen has embraced the spotlight, arguing that his approach increases transparency and gives Norwegians greater insight into the fund, which holds stakes in companies worldwide and represents a significant portion of the national budget.

While Tangen has been credited with strong financial performance and was recently reappointed for a second term, his high-profile style has drawn criticism. Some analysts and critics argue that his media presence exposes the fund to unnecessary scrutiny and politicizes its operations, especially after controversies over investments linked to the war in Gaza and divestments from certain companies. These moves have sparked debates about the fund's nonpolitical mandate and whether Tangen's leadership is shifting focus from institutional stability to personal branding.

Despite the controversies, Tangen remains committed to his public approach, insisting that his podcast and media engagements are about educating the public and strengthening the fund, not self-promotion. He continues to engage with top executives and discuss pressing issues like artificial intelligence and climate change, showing little sign of retreating from the public eye.