See video of Johan H. Andresen’s reaction further down in the case.
The Ferd heir comes together with his father Johan H. Andresen. To the Hotel Seehof in Davos for the traditional fondue dinner for Norwegian participants at the World Economic Forum.
– It’s my first time. I take it as a new learning. New information and good knowledge, says Katharina Gamlemshaug Andresen.
She is excited about the week that awaits her at the conference, which brings together the world’s economic and political elite in the Swiss Alps. Andresen reveals that she is most interested in the sessions, which are about sustainability and the environment.
Johan H. Andresen is a veteran of Davos, with over twenty years of participation.
– This year is a very special year. There are so many ongoing crises. As an individual, you wonder how you can contribute yourself. I believe that Norway, as a nation that has received large extra profits from oil and gas revenues, has a special responsibility here, he says.
TOP WEALTH: Both in Norway and in the world, she comes up high on the list of those with the most wealth. Photo: Santiago Vergara/TV 2
– What should we use this profit for?
– That is a good question. I believe there is an opportunity to partially participate in the reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine. And help to carry out a green shift, where we are less dependent on fossil energies, says Johan H. Andresen.
He thinks it will be special to be Norwegian in Davos this week. Several international politicians and business people have previously criticized Norway for raising money for the war.
Young billionaire
In 2007, Katharina and her sister Alexandra each inherited 42.2 percent of the investment company Ferd. The family company was previously called Tiedemans Tobaksfabrik, but in 1998 the company abandoned tobacco production.
On the tax lists from last year, Katharina Andresen was number seven at the wealth peak. On the Forbes list of the world’s richest people, she was in 2022 at number 2190. With a net worth of almost NOK 12 billion. She is among the youngest billionaires in the world. In recent years, she has been the second and third richest young people in the world.
In the past year, a number of Norwegian billionaires have moved to Switzerland. Certain states, “cantons”, have very favorable tax rules. Especially for foreigners with large fortunes.
Aker owner Kjell Inge Røkke moved to Lugano. A short time ago it became known that Røkke’s former partner, Bjørn Rune Gjelsten, is transferring large assets to his daughter, who lives in Switzerland. Other Norwegians in their 30s and 40s with large fortunes have also chosen Switzerland as their new home.
Not enough fish
For Johan H. Andresen, Switzerland is not alluring.
– I have already transferred shares to the children, so they can decide where they want to move. After all, I have said in writing that there are not enough sea trout and tench in this country for me to move here, so I am probably too old.
The daughter is also not tempted by the low-tax country of Switzerland.
– I think it is so simple that we have been lucky enough to get help and contributions. What has made Ferd what it is today is Norwegian, so we are Norwegian and remain Norwegian and are still in Norway, says Katharina Gamlemshaug Andresen.
For that answer, she gets a kiss on the cheek from her father. And he a friendly dolt back.
