Background
Rudolf Fredrik Olsen was born in Hvitsten, in Akershus county, Norway. He was the son of Thomas Frederick (Fred) Olsen (1857-1933).
Chief Executive Officer shipping magnate Chairman of Fred
Rudolf Fredrik Olsen was born in Hvitsten, in Akershus county, Norway. He was the son of Thomas Frederick (Fred) Olsen (1857-1933).
Olsen was educated in Britain, France and Belgium.
Olsen & Company Olsen worked in the family firm, Olsen & Company dating from 1914. After their father"s death in 1933, the brothers took over as leaders of the company. From 1933 he was Chief Executive Officer of the firm.
During his leadership, the company expanded, entering the aviation business with its own airline Olsen Flyselskap.
In addition it obtained partial ownership interests in Scandinavian Airlines System, Widerøe"s Flyveselskap AS and Sterling Airlines A/South. Olsen held a board position in a range of companies, including Det Norske Luftfartselskap. From 1917, Olsen was Consul General to Norway from Italy.