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Billionaire Profile
Thor Bjorgolfsson
Global Rank
#3403

Image: Ane Cecilie Blichfeldt | CC BY 2.5 dk | via Wikimedia Commons

Thor Bjorgolfsson

CEO, Novator Partners
ICELAND
Real-Time Net Worth
$1B
Estimated based on Novator Partners stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
59
Source
Investments
Industry
diversified
Citizenship
ICELAND

Biography

Thor Bjorgolfsson (born March 19, 1967) is an Icelandic investor and entrepreneur, recognized as Iceland's first billionaire in 2007. He is the chairman and founder of Novator Partners, a London-based alternative investment firm. Bjorgolfsson's career began with investments in Russia, co-founding the Bravo brewery group, which he sold to Heineken in 2002. He expanded into banking as the largest shareholder of Landsbanki, but the institution collapsed during the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis, leading to substantial personal debt. He rebuilt his fortune through Novator's diversified portfolio, including stakes in Swiss pharmaceutical firm Xantis, and investments in companies like Deliveroo, Zwift, and Stripe. Bjorgolfsson's journey includes significant setbacks and remarkable recoveries, documented in his autobiography, 'Billions to Bust and Back: How I Made, Lost and Rebuilt a Fortune'. His resilience and strategic investments have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the global business landscape. He is known for his 'adventure capitalist' approach, embracing risk and seeking opportunities in emerging markets.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Björgólfur Thor Björgólfsson, known internationally as Thor Bjorgolfsson, was born on March 19, 1967, in Reykjavik, Iceland. He comes from a lineage of Icelandic entrepreneurs. His great-grandfather, Thor Jensen, a Danish-born pioneer, contributed to the country's early capitalist development. From an early age, Thor demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, delivering newspapers and running a video delivery service.

Rise to Success

Bjorgolfsson graduated from Verzlunarskóli Íslands in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from New York University's Stern School of Business in 1991. He began his business career in Russia in 1991, co-founding the Baltic Bottling Plant. Later, he founded Bravo International, a brewing company that produced the popular Botchkarov beer, selling it to Heineken in 2002. Bjorgolfsson then invested in Icelandic firms and established Novator Partners in 2004, focusing on telecommunications and pharmaceuticals.

Key Business Strategies

Bjorgolfsson's key business strategies involve identifying opportunities in emerging markets and undervalued assets. He focuses on operational turnarounds and growth equity. He has been described as an 'adventure capitalist', emphasizing his unusual tolerance for risk. His investments include stakes in Swiss pharmaceutical company Xantis, and Chilean telecom WOM. Bjorgolfsson is also known for rebuilding his fortune after facing significant financial setbacks during the 2008 financial crisis. He managed to settle all his debts and return to his pre-crisis billionaire status.

Philanthropy

Bjorgolfsson is also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable causes and organizations in Iceland and internationally.

Career Milestones

1991

Founded Bravo International

Founded Bravo International, a brewing company in Russia that made the famous Botchkarov beer.

2002

Sold Bravo Brewery

Sold Bravo brewery to Heineken for $325 million.

2004

Founded Novator Partners

Founded Novator Partners, an alternative investment firm.

2007

First Icelandic Billionaire

Named Iceland's first billionaire by Forbes.

2014

Repaid Debts

Rebuilt his portfolio and paid off debts after the 2008 financial crisis

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Various Charitable Causes

Undisclosed

Supports various charitable causes and organizations in Iceland and internationally.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Power, money, that's just the road to respect. After all, money disappears, friends die, and you die, but your reputation remains."

"My eye is always on how I exit. I don't normally just buy something, hold it for a long time without changing the business and then just sell. What interests me is the evolution, the de-risking, and the stage-by-stage metamorphosis of a business into something that is simply inherently more profitable.”"

"I am intuitive and quick to assess situations. I see opportunities where others see complications, and I am not afraid to wander into emerging markets."

Leadership Principles

Adaptability

Embraces change and adjusts strategies to navigate challenges.

Optimism

Maintains a positive outlook even in the face of adversity.

Resilience

Bounces back from setbacks, using them as learning opportunities.

Controversies & Challenges

2008

Landsbanki Collapse

As the largest shareholder, faced criticism for Landsbanki's role in the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis.

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