Orkla’s Board Chair, Stein Erik Hagen, passed away today, 4 May 2026, at the age of 69. He has served on Orkla’s Board since 2004 and was elected Chair in 2006. Hagen and his children own Canica and related companies, which together own 25% of Orkla.
“A true pillar has left us. Stein Erik Hagen has had an enormous impact on Orkla for more than 25 years, and on the Norwegian business community for several decades. His passing was sudden and unexpected. This is a sad day for many at Orkla, and for me personally. Through more than 30 years of collaboration in various roles, I have come to know Stein Erik as an exceptionally sharp businessman with tremendous warmth and generosity toward those around him. My thoughts now go to his closest family,” says Orkla President and CEO Nils K. Selte.
Hagen established his first business in 1976 and had a long career in retail, industry, financial investment activities, and management.
The Board has appointed Liselott Kilaas as acting Chair of the Board.
Ref.:
SVP IR & Communication
Annie Bersagel
Tel.: +47 98 60 36 64
E-mail: annie.bersagel@orkla.no
VP Financial Communication
Joachim Gresslien
Tel: +47 90 72 50 18
E-mail: joachim.gresslien@orkla.no