Early Life
Kjell Inge Rokke was born on October 25, 1958, in Molde, Norway. He began his career in the fishing industry at the young age of 18. After working on Norwegian vessels, he moved to the United States, where he worked on trawlers in Alaska. This experience provided the foundation for his future ventures.
Rise to Success
Rokke's entrepreneurial journey took off in the United States, where he owned and operated American Seafoods Group in the 1980s. In the mid-1990s, he returned to Norway and became the main shareholder of Aker ASA. Rokke's strategic acquisitions and mergers, including the merger with his own company, significantly impacted the fisheries sector and expanded Aker's influence into various industries.
Key Business Strategies
Rokke is known for his aggressive business tactics, often described as a "ruthless corporate raider". His ability to identify and acquire companies, restructure them, and generate profits has been a hallmark of his career. Through Aker ASA, Rokke strategically invested in diverse sectors like oil and gas, maritime assets, and marine biotechnology.
Philanthropy
Kjell Inge Rokke has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy. In 2017, he and his wife joined the Giving Pledge, promising to donate the majority of their wealth to charitable causes. One of his notable initiatives is the REV Ocean project, which includes the construction of a research vessel dedicated to ocean conservation and research. He has also supported education through the Aker Scholarship and other initiatives.
