A big change at the top of Bonheur Holding – the listed investment vehicle of the Norwegian shipping family Olsen: the head of the family, Fred. Olsen is stepping down as Chairman of the Board.
The change was waved through at Bonheur ASA’s most recent Annual General Meeting: lawyer Gaute Gjelsten takes over as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
The now 97-year-old Fred. Olsen chaired the Bonheur Board for more than 70 years. In future, he intends to devote his work to the Group’s business development rather than formal administrative tasks, according to a statement. “Our companies are in good shape – now more than ever, it’s about seizing and expanding opportunities; that’s exactly what I want to focus on,” says Fred. Olsen.
Gjelsten co-founded Gjelsten Herlofsen Law, a law firm specializing in shipping, offshore business and insurance disputes, in September 2022. He previously worked for Wikborg Rein for 25 years – including 18 years as a partner – where he was also head of the shipping and offshore department. He has been a member of the Supervisory Board since the 2025 Annual General Meeting and was already a member of the Shareholders’ Committee from 2023 to 2025. “It is a privilege to take on this role following the exceptional leadership of Fred. Olsen to take over. Bonheur ASA has a strong foundation and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board of Directors and Fred. Olsen & Co AS,” said Gjelsten.
The Olsen family group of companies owns and operates various maritime businesses, including Fred. Olsen Renewables, Fred. Olsen Seawind, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, Global Wind Service and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and the media company NHST Holding. In Germany, the Group is known for its former stake in the Hamburg-based MPP and project shipping company United Heavy Lift (UHL), among other things. The shares were sold last year.
Fred. Olsen’s daughter Anette Olsen will continue to manage the company both as Managing Director and via Fred. Olsen & Co AS. For legal reasons, however, she cannot simultaneously chair the Supervisory Board.
