Early Life
Madeleine Olsson Eriksson was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1945. She is the daughter of Sten Allan Olsson, the founder of Stena Sphere, a company that began as a trading firm and evolved into a global enterprise with interests in shipping, ferries, offshore drilling, property development, and metal recycling. She grew up in a family deeply rooted in the maritime industry.
Rise to Success
Eriksson initially pursued a career in medicine. She earned a medical license from Karolinska Institutet in 1981 and practiced gynecology for several years. In the 1990s, she became involved with the family business, Stena Sphere. She holds a 12.5% stake in Stena Sphere, which is the primary source of her wealth. This significant ownership, along with her philanthropic work, has solidified her position as a prominent figure in Sweden's business and cultural landscape.
Key Business Strategies
While her brother, Dan Olsson, serves as CEO, Madeleine Olsson Eriksson is not involved in the day-to-day operations of Stena Sphere. However, her strategic role includes chairing the Sten A. Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture since its establishment in 1996. In 2018, she founded Formica Capital AB and is a board member. She founded the Madeleine Olsson Erikssons Stiftelse (MOE-stiftelsen) in 2023, endowing it with an initial capital of 200 million Swedish kronor, which is dedicated to promoting equal and gender-equitable education.
Philanthropy
Madeleine Olsson Eriksson is actively involved in philanthropy, primarily through the Sten A. Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture. The foundation supports various initiatives in Western Sweden focused on scientific advancement, artistic endeavors, and educational programs. In 2023, she founded MOE-stiftelsen, which provides funding for projects that enhance equitable education and prevent social and economic vulnerability among children and youth both in Sweden and internationally.
