Fred Olsen steps down from Bonheur board, after 70 year stint 

Bonheur is domiciled in Norway, with a head office in Oslo and is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company owns several renewable energy businesses, including Fred Olsen Renewables; Fred Olsen Seawind; Fred Olsen Windcarrier; and Global Wind Service.

In a statement, Bonheur said the decision was taken prior to the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 27 May 2026.

“Our companies are in good shape. More than ever it is now about enhancing opportunities, and that is what I want to focus on,” said Mr Olsen.

Anette Olsen will continue to lead the company both as managing director and through Fred Olsen & Co AS, but by law cannot therefore also be chair of the board.

Bonheur has elected Gaute Gjelsten as non-executive chair of the board. Mr Gjelsten has been a member of the board since the company’s AGM in 2025.

“It is a privilege to take on this role after Fred Olsen’s extraordinary stewardship. Bonheur has a strong foundation, and I look forward to working further with the board and Fred Olsen & Co AS,” said Mr Gjelsten.

Mr Gjelsten co-founded the shipping, offshore and insurance firm Gjelsten Herlofsen Law in September 2022. Before that he spent 25 years at Wikborg Rein, 18 years as a partner, and also headed the firm’s shipping and offshore department.

The company has also elected Jannicke Hilland, Carol Bell, Kristin Gjertsen and Nick Emery for new two-year periods as board members.