Sverrir Hermannsson
Sverrir Hermannsson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Svalbarði farm, Ögurvík, Ísafjarðardjúp, Iceland |
| Died | March 12, 2018 (aged 88) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman, banker |
| Years active | 1975–2003 |
| Known for | Speaker of the Althing's lower chamber; Minister of Industry; Minister of Education; CEO of Landsbanki; founder and chairman of the Liberal Party |
Sverrir Hermannsson (26 February 1930 – 12 March 2018) was a prominent figure in Icelandic politics, business, and banking.
Early life
Sverrir was born on the Svalbarði farm located in Ögurvík, Ísafjarðardjúp. He completed his secondary education in Akureyri in 1951 and went on to graduate with a degree in business from the University of Iceland in 1955.
Career
Initially affiliated with the Independence Party, Sverrir held the position of Speaker of the Althing's lower chamber from 1979 until 1983. He then served as Minister of Industry between 1983 and 1985, followed by his tenure as Minister of Education from 1985 to 1987. Additionally, he was a member of the Nordic Council during two periods: 1975–1983 and 1987–1988.
In 1988, Sverrir stepped down from his parliamentary role to take on the leadership of Landsbanki, where he remained as CEO until 1998. After departing from the bank, he established the Liberal Party and led it as chairman from 1998 through 2003. He made a political comeback by securing a seat in the Althing representing Reykjavík in the 1999 elections before retiring from public office in 2003.
Death
Sverrir passed away on 12 March 2018 at the age of 88.