- I got to know Olav Thon well during my 30 years in the group, and especially when I took over as CEO. He lived as he taught, and I have deep admiration and respect for his life's work. What Olav achieved throughout his long life is completely unique. He demonstrated an impressive long-term perspective in everything.
Kjetil Nilsen, CEO
Olav Thon was born in the village of Vats in Hallingdal. From his early teens he bought and sold leather. In 1950 he bought his first real estate property, and has since acquired and developed a significant property portfolio spread across Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium. Olav Thon was CEO of the Olav Thon Group for several decades until 2022, at the age of 98. He was an active board member on the Olav Thon Group's board right up until his passing.
Long-term thinking and austerity, in combination with a vital desire to create and a great joy in work, characterized Olav Thon's life as an entrepreneur and investor. There is no parallel in Norwegian post-war history. In 2013, Olav Thon transferred most of his wealth to the Olav Thon Foundation. The Olav Thon Foundation will continue to manage the ownership of Olav Thon Gruppen AS and distribute funds for non-profit purposes.
The outdoorsman Olav Thon probably went on more and longer journeys on skis or on his feet than most of us. Olav Thon married his beloved partner and travel companion Sissel Berdal Haga Thon at Hotel Bristol in 2019.
Olav Thon was awarded several honours, including knight of the 1st class of St. Olav's Order and the Swedish Nordstjärne Order for his significant contribution to business, trade and cooperation. He was an honorary member of the Norwegian Tourist Association for his efforts for outdoor life, and was named Halling of the Century. Olav Thon also received the Trysil-Knut award, the Red Cross president's plaque for extraordinary humanitarian efforts, as well as countless honours.
Olav Thon's slogan was "Creative in everything we do" and he showed that job satisfaction and joy must lie at the foundation for commitment to be transformed into effort. Olav Thon had a unique ability to see everyone and recognize each and every one of us who work in the Olav Thon Group.
Olav Thon has shown us the way forward. Together with his basic values, he will continue with us in our hearts. We thank Olav Thon for everything he was, to all of us who have worked for and with him in the Olav Thon Group.
Kjetil Nilsen, CEO