Background
He was born in Vik, and took an education in Stavanger.
He was born in Vik, and took an education in Stavanger.
He was hired as manager in 1976, and was later the chief executive officer, in Lerum in Sogndal, a family company he owned together with brother Bjarne Lerum. He is also a brother of Gerd Kjellaug Berge. Lerum was succeeded as chief executive officer by January Petter Vadheim in 2004.
Lerum is still one of the wealthiest people in Sogndal.
Lerum chaired the employers" organisation Konservesfabrikkenes Landsforening. He represented the Conservative Party, but joined the Progress Party in 2002.
He was a member of Sogndal municipal council for six years, and served as mayor from 1978 to 1982.