Background
Background
Consul Anders Sveaas, a prominent Norwegian entrepreneur, founded AS Kistefos Træsliberi in 1889, a wood pulp mill. He also bought surrounding forest properties, which provided essential raw materials for the mill and further solidified the family’s business interests in the timber industry. The company became a cornerstone of the Norwegian pulp and paper industry, significantly contributing to the region’s economic growth. The success of A/S Kistefos Træsliberi laid a solid foundation for future generations.
Anders Sveaas’ entrepreneurial spirit and successful ventures was an inspiration for his grandson, Christen Sveaas, who was gifted his first share in A/S Kistefos Træsliberi on his 10th birthday. It was an honor to be a shareholder in the family business. He was taught the importance of education early on, and graduated Lic. Oec. HSG at St. Gallen University in 1981.
Christen Sveaas founded his first investment company in 1979, which in 1998 merged to become Kistefos AS, now a diversified investment company he wholly owns. It’s success stems from strategic investments in various sectors such as finance, maritime and shipping, real estate and private equity, showcasing ability to innovate and expand. In addition to his business achievements, Christen Sveaas is renowned for his extensive social initiatives. As a result of disagreements within the Sveaas family, A/S Kistefos Træsliberi was sold out of the family’s ownership in 1983, much to Christen Sveaas dismay. In 1993, Christen Sveaas repurchased 85% of the former family company. As one of the terms, he had to establish an industrial history museum at the factory site. Therefore the Kistefos Museum was established in 1996, and successively developed to become the special destination it is today with world class architecture, The Twist, one of Europe’s largest sculpture parks and a historical industrial museum, open for everyone to visit.
Moreover, Christen is actively involved in supporting educational programs at five leading universities across the globe. He has founded numerous charitable organizations like ‘Anders Sveaas Charitable Foundation’ and ‘Christen Sveaas Art Foundation’ and is an active patron for the arts acting as a council and a committee member at several art institutions globally.