Sandefjord
In Sandefjord, the entrepreneurs are the stars, just as the actors are the stars in Hollywood.
Entrepreneur Stars
The Entrepreneur Stars are Sandefjord's own Walk of Fame, honouring entrepreneurs whose vision, innovation and commitment have helped shape the city. The bronze stars in the city centre celebrate their lasting contribution to Sandefjord's business community and local society.
2026
Johan Bryde (1858–1925) – Shipping owner and whaling pioneer who expanded Norwegian whaling internationally and developed the industry from catch to processing.
Odd Gleditsch Jr. (1929–2017) – Transformed Jotun into one of the world's leading paint and coatings companies while keeping its headquarters in Sandefjord.
Leiv Wilhelm Eriksen (b. 1939) – Serial entrepreneur who built successful construction companies and contributed significantly to business development and local sports.
2025
Anders Børresen Hasle (b. 1868) – Founder of Sandefjord Shoe Factory, creating one of Norway's largest shoe manufacturers and hundreds of jobs.
Odd Andersen (b. 1933) – Entrepreneur, employer and community builder who created jobs and inspired those around him.
Gunnar Bjønness (b. 1956) – Technology entrepreneur who helped establish Sandefjord as a leading IT hub.
Helge Krossøy (b. 1968) – IT entrepreneur who built successful technology companies while making a major contribution to local sports and volunteer work.
2024
Thorbjørn Hansen (b. 1942) – Construction entrepreneur and property developer behind one of the region's leading building companies.
Hans Freddy Henriksen (b. 1945) – Food industry entrepreneur behind Skjeggerød Slakteri and Matbørsen, recognised for inclusive leadership.
Heidi Marie Pettersen (b. 1958) – Engineering entrepreneur and business leader who built successful companies in a male-dominated industry.
Yngvar Hasås (b. 1956) – Timber industry entrepreneur who developed the Hasås family business through innovation and continuous improvement.
2023
Øystein Seim (b. 1974) – Founder of several construction companies and a strong advocate for employment and social inclusion.
Øivind Allum (b. 1947) – Engineering entrepreneur who helped build Sandefjord's internationally recognised maritime engineering cluster.
Dorothea von der Lippe Christensen (b. 1847) – Pioneer of education and women's rights who established Norway's first school kitchen.
Carl Christian Fon (b. 1963) – Construction entrepreneur and philanthropist who has contributed significantly to Sandefjord's development.
Guttorm Gran Sr. (b. 1908) – Brewery entrepreneur who developed Grans Brewery into one of Norway's few remaining independent breweries.
Olga Kulms (b. 1895) – Hotel entrepreneur behind Hotel Atlantic and a generous supporter of Sandefjord's cultural life.
2022
Christen Christensen (1845–1923) – Shipbuilder and whaling pioneer whose innovations laid the foundation for Sandefjord's prosperity.
Thor Dahl (1862–1920) – Shipping magnate, investor and philanthropist who built one of Norway's leading whaling companies.
Heinrich Arnold Thaulow (1808–1894) – Physician and founder of Sandefjord Spa, establishing the town as an internationally known spa destination.
Eric Sandtrø (b. 1972) – E-commerce pioneer behind Norek and Komplett, helping shape Norway's online retail industry.
Anders August Jahre (1891–1982) – Shipping entrepreneur and philanthropist who built an international shipping and whaling empire.
Odd Gleditsch (1894–1990) – Founder of Jotun and one of Sandefjord's most influential industrial entrepreneurs.
Source: Visit Vestfold