Education
He studied physics as a Wien Scholar at Brandeis University.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K189JAC/?tag=2022091-20
(As butler to William Randolph Hearst at San Simeon castle...)
As butler to William Randolph Hearst at San Simeon castle, Christian Benediktsson lives quietly, almost invisibly. He completes his tasks efficiently and with aplomb, catering to the whims of the volatile Chief and overseeing the running of the hectic household. Privy to the goings-on of the celebrity guests who visit as well as to Hearst’s intimate relationship with his mistress, the actress Marion Davies, he is the picture of discretion. An extremely private man, those around him know nothing of him or his life. And so it is in his thoughts and in unsent letters to his wife back in Iceland that we witness the unraveling of his former life, which began when he abandoned her and their children for an actress in New York City. Once a successful businessman, he erases his past and himself after a sudden tragic death and his financial ruin, the result of a jilted lover’s vengeance. Walking into the Night is a stunning portrait of a man wrestling with guilt and secret passions.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400034809/?tag=2022091-20
He studied physics as a Wien Scholar at Brandeis University.
He is the author of three previous novels, The Journey Home, Absolution and Walking Into the Night, and a story collection, Valentines. His books have been published to critical acclaim in more than twenty languages. Before assuming his current position, Ólafsson was Vice Chairman of Time Warner Digital Media where he was responsible for developing strategic business plans for Time Warner’s digital media businesses.
During his six-year tenure, he directed the worldwide operations of Sony’s entertainment software and hardware divisions and was responsible for the introduction of the acclaimed PlayStation.
He held several other positions at Sony, having begun his career at the company in 1985.
He is the recipient of the O. Henry Award and the Icelandic Literary Award, was shortlisted for the Frank O’Connor Prize, and has twice been nominated for the IMPAC Award. Previously, as founder, president and chief executive officer of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Incorporated., a unit of Sony Corporation established in 1991, Olafsson built and managed its businesses in the United States and Europe.
(As butler to William Randolph Hearst at San Simeon castle...)
Prior to joining Time Warner, Ólafsson was president of Advanta Corporation, since March 1998 and a member of its board of directors since 1997.
