NetWorth
LeaderPortfolio
Hagen
Stein Erik Hagen
Rank #1540
NORWAY•Fashion & Retail•Consumer goods

Stein Erik Hagen

Net Worth
$2.741B
-0.06% (24h)
Stein Erik Hagen is a prominent Norwegian billionaire businessman, celebrated for his ventures in the consumer goods and retail sectors. Born on July 22, 1956, Hagen is the Chairman of Orkla ASA and a major shareholder through his family company Canica AS. His career began with founding the Rimi discount supermarket chain with his father, Odd Hagen, which quickly expanded. He later divested his Rimi stake, channeling the proceeds into strategic investments. As of March 25, 2026, Hagen's net worth is estimated at $2.7 billion. He is known for his substantial sailboat and has supported various political parties in Norway. Hagen publicly came out as bisexual in 2015.

How to read Stein Erik Hagen's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Stein Erik Hagen, we anchor the narrative to Consumer goods and Consumer goods, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $2.741B alongside global rank #1540, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (NORWAY) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Stein Erik Hagen was born in Oslo, Norway, on July 22, 1956. His father, Odd Hagen, was involved in the retail sector, fostering an entrepreneurial environment. At age 20, Hagen began his career as a store manager in his father's business. He completed his secondary education at Wang Handelsgymnasium in Oslo in 1975 and studied at Kjøpmannsinsituttet (now part of BI Norwegian Business School).

Rise to Success

In 1977, Hagen co-founded the Rimi discount supermarket chain with his father. Rimi expanded rapidly by focusing on low prices. Hagen later sold his stake in Rimi and invested in various Scandinavian enterprises through his holding company, Canica AS. He then invested most of the proceeds from the sale into Orkla.

Key Business Strategies

Hagen's business strategies involved low-cost retail models, which disrupted the traditional grocery market. He focused on building market share and making strategic investments. He established Canica AS in 1985 as an investment vehicle.

Philanthropy

Stein Erik Hagen is involved in philanthropy, supporting medical research, particularly cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, and autoimmune liver disorders. He established the Stein Erik Hagen Foundation for Clinical Heart Research.

Career Timeline

2015

Publicly came out

Publicly disclosed his bisexuality on a Norwegian-Swedish talk show.

2014

Daughter takes over Canica

Appointed his daughter, Caroline Marie Hagen Kjos, to take over the reins of Canica AS.

2006

Chairman of Orkla ASA

Became Chairman of Orkla ASA.

1985

Founded Canica AS

Established Canica AS, a private holding company.

1977

Co-founded Rimi

Co-founded the Rimi discount supermarket chain with his father.

Philanthropic Impact

Medical Research$XB

Stein Erik Hagen Foundation for Clinical Heart Research

Provides financial grants to not-for-profit organizations in areas like arts, education, environment, religion, and social services.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Canica AS——
Orkla ASA——

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Stein Erik Hagen was born in Oslo, Norway, on July 22, 1956. His father, Odd Hagen, was involved in the retail sector, fostering an entrepreneurial environment. At age 20, Hagen began his career as a store manager in his father's business. He completed his secondary education at Wang Handelsgymnasium in Oslo in 1975 and studied at Kjøpmannsinsituttet (now part of BI Norwegian Business School).

Rise to Success

In 1977, Hagen co-founded the Rimi discount supermarket chain with his father. Rimi expanded rapidly by focusing on low prices. Hagen later sold his stake in Rimi and invested in various Scandinavian enterprises through his holding company, Canica AS. He then invested most of the proceeds from the sale into Orkla.

Key Business Strategies

Hagen's business strategies involved low-cost retail models, which disrupted the traditional grocery market. He focused on building market share and making strategic investments. He established Canica AS in 1985 as an investment vehicle.

Philanthropy

Stein Erik Hagen is involved in philanthropy, supporting medical research, particularly cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, and autoimmune liver disorders. He established the Stein Erik Hagen Foundation for Clinical Heart Research.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Stein Erik Hagen are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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