Kjell Inge Røkke
Kjell Inge Røkke | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 25, 1958 Norway |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Chairman of Aker ASA, founder of TRG AS, REV Ocean project |
Kjell Inge Røkke (born October 25, 1958) is a Norwegian billionaire entrepreneur and serves as chairman of the Norwegian corporation Aker ASA. He holds board positions at Aker BP, Kværner, Ocean Yield, Aker BioMarine, and Aker Energy. As of December 31, 2018, Røkke controlled 68.2% of Aker ASA's shares through his investment firm, TRG AS.
By 2018, he was recognized as Norway's wealthiest individual, with an estimated net worth of NOK 20.6 billion (around US$2.4 billion).
Career
Røkke began his professional journey at age 18 working as a fisherman despite lacking formal education. In 1979, he relocated to the United States to work aboard Alaskan fishing vessels, eventually acquiring his initial fleet and establishing ownership of American Seafoods Group.
Throughout the 1980s, he managed American Seafoods and Resource Group International (RGI) based in Seattle, which included brands such as Brooks Sports and Helly Hansen. Returning to Norway in the mid-1990s, he became the largest shareholder in Aker ASA in 1996 after RGI gained a controlling interest; the two companies merged in January 1997. Under Aker’s umbrella, he expanded into fisheries by acquiring J.M. Johansen, alongside investments in real estate and shipbuilding facilities.
Røkke continues to be the principal shareholder of Aker ASA, a company that concentrates on industrial ventures within oil and gas, maritime industries, and marine biotechnology. The firm’s holdings encompass Aker BP, Aker Solutions, Akastor, Kværner, Ocean Yield, Aker Energy, Cognite, and Aker BioMarine, as well as financial assets including cash reserves and property development projects.
In 2017, Røkke committed to the Giving Pledge and launched the REV Ocean project aimed at promoting oceanic research and innovative solutions. Headed by former WWF Norway CEO Nina Jensen, REV Ocean operates the world's largest research vessel (REV Ocean), the World Ocean Headquarters, and an international data platform. The 183-meter REV Ocean ship features state-of-the-art amenities such as three swimming pools and a 35-seat auditorium and was planned for delivery in 2022.
Although diagnosed with dyslexia, Røkke attributes this condition as a factor that has positively influenced his achievements.
Characterized by Forbes as a "ruthless corporate raider," Røkke has earned a reputation for his calculated acquisition strategies.
In acknowledgment of his leadership excellence, he was honored as Norway's top executive by Dagens Næringsliv in 2005, and in 2006 received the “Peer Gynt of the Year” award for his contributions to enhancing Norway’s global standing.
Donations
In May 2017, Røkke and his spouse became signatories of the Gates-Buffett The Giving Pledge, committing themselves to allocate the majority of their fortune toward charitable endeavors.
During that same month, Røkke revealed his financial backing for the REV Ocean, the world’s largest and most sophisticated research vessel. Launched in 2019 and anticipated to be finalized by 2024, this 182.9-meter ship is designed to facilitate scientific study from the atmosphere down to depths of 6,000 meters, including seabed investigations. Outfitted with submarines and drones, it features seven laboratories and an auditorium. The vessel is capable of gathering and incinerating up to five tonnes of plastic waste daily without producing harmful emissions. Constructed by Italian yacht manufacturer Fincantieri at a Romanian shipyard, it can host 60 researchers alongside a crew of 30. The ship will be accessible for scientific missions as well as private charters, with generated revenue allocated to upkeep and research funding. Røkke’s investment underscores his dedication to combating climate change and marine plastic contamination.
Alongside his wife Anne Grete Eidsvig, Røkke founded the Aker Scholarship in collaboration with Aker ASA to support Norwegian postgraduate students attending top global universities. This scholarship is financed by Røkke’s family enterprise TRG through contributions to their Foundation of Education, aiming to motivate recipients to make significant contributions within Norwegian business, industry, and society.
In 2018, Røkke and TRG co-established Stiftelsen VI (The VI Foundation) together with other Aker entities. TRG contributed an initial capital injection of NOK 25 million. The foundation’s mission focuses on enhancing opportunities and rights for people with disabilities, encouraging physical activity, and promoting inclusive participation. Over five years, Aker ASA, its associated companies, and TRG have pledged NOK 125 million to support these initiatives.
Røkke has also supported community projects in Asker by providing funds for new artificial turf fields and a clubhouse for the Frisk Asker football club. He previously donated NOK 10 million (~US$1.19 million) to develop 20 mini-pitches for local sports organizations and housing cooperatives, as well as aiding the creation of walking and cycling paths following his relocation there in 2010.
Personal life
Røkke is married with four children and lives in Vettre, Norway. Among his collection of luxury vehicles is a Ford GT purchased in August 2016. In September 2022, he declared intentions to relocate to Lugano, Switzerland.
Football
Since 1993, Røkke has been actively engaged in football, particularly supporting the Norwegian club Molde FK. He played a significant role in financing the club’s new stadium—colloquially known as "Røkkeløkka"—reportedly investing approximately NOK 400 million.
In partnership with former associate Bjørn Rune Gjelsten, Røkke became co-owner of Wimbledon Football Club in 2000. Alongside chairman Charles Koppel and entrepreneur Pete Winkelman, they agreed on relocating the club from London to Milton Keynes, roughly 60 miles away. This unprecedented move within English football sparked opposition from fans and regulatory bodies but was ultimately sanctioned through arbitration. In response, Wimbledon supporters established a new club named AFC Wimbledon and boycotted the relocated team. Following poor attendance figures, Wimbledon FC completed its transition in 2003 and was rebranded as Milton Keynes Dons in 2004.
Boat license conviction
In 2005, Røkke was found guilty of bribery and falsifying licenses after compensating a Swedish authority to obtain skipper's permits for himself, his personal assistant, and a Norwegian maritime agent. This legal matter emerged after Røkke's yacht, Celina Bella, ran aground close to Strömstad in 2001. He completed 24 to 25 days of a 120-day incarceration before being granted early release on parole.