Stein Erik Hagen Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Stein Erik Hagen is a Norwegian business magnate and investor best known for building his fortune through retail innovation and major shareholdings in Norway’s leading consumer-goods companies.

Introduction

Stein Erik Hagen is a self-made Norwegian entrepreneur whose strategic vision in retail and investments positioned him among Norway’s wealthiest business figures. Born on July 22, 1956, his journey from discount grocery pioneer to influential investor is a testament to long-term business acumen and diversification. Renowned for his leadership roles and ownership stakes in major companies, Hagen also maintains a high-profile personal life, including recent developments in his relationships and family. 

Quick Facts: At a Glance

From Early Ambition to Market Innovation

Stein Erik Hagen’s entrance into business was rooted in retail and family influence. Raised in Oslo, Norway, he pursued commercial studies at Kjøpmannsinsituttet (now part of BI Norwegian Business School), where he honed skills that would soon reshape Norwegian retail. 

His defining move came in the late 1970s when he co-founded the RIMI discount store chain with his father — a brand that revolutionized the Norwegian grocery market with low prices and efficiency. The success of RIMI became the cornerstone of Hagen’s wealth and set the stage for decades of strategic investing.

Defining moments in Stein Erik Hagen’s journey include:

• Launching RIMI discount supermarkets with a progressive low-cost model.

• Selling significant RIMI holdings and reinvesting proceeds into higher-yield ventures.

• Establishing Canica AS, a family investment company that anchors his portfolio. 

The Core Pillars of Stein Erik Hagen’s Wealth

Hagen’s wealth is not tied to a single business, but to a network of strategic stakes across consumer goods, real estate, and investments:

• Foundational Retail Success: Proceeds from the sale of RIMI gave Hagen capital to reinvest in diversified ventures.

• Orkla Leadership: Hagen serves as chairman and holds major shares in Orkla, a leading Nordic consumer-goods conglomerate.

• Broad Corporate Stakes: Through Canica AS, he retains influential positions in companies such as Steen & Strøm, Jernia, and Komplett.

Relationships & Personal Life

Stein Erik Hagen’s personal journey has evolved alongside his business accomplishments. His relationships reflect both traditional family life and recent milestones in his love life.

Hagen’s earlier marriages include a long-term union with Nina Paulsen and a later marriage to Mille-Marie Treschow, from which he eventually separated. He has four children from various relationships, who are active in business and investment circles themselves. 

In November 2025, Hagen’s personal life made headlines with his marriage to Bendik Skinningsrud in Oslo, a moment celebrated publicly and attended by notable Norwegian figures.

Key insights into Stein Erik Hagen’s relationships and personal life:

• Father of four children. 

• Previously married to Mille-Marie Treschow. 

• Publicly came out as bisexual in a televised interview. 

• Recently wed Bendik Skinningsrud in a well-covered ceremony. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond boardrooms and holdings, Hagen’s lifestyle reflects his varied interests and passions:

• Ownership of one of Europe’s notable sailing yachts and reports of previous island ownership in the Caribbean. 

• Art collecting and cultural patronage.

• Philanthropic and political engagement, including financial support of parties in Norway. 

Beyond career success, Stein Erik Hagen leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Sailing and nautical interests. 

• Art collection and cultural patronage. 

• Public philanthropy. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Different sources estimate Hagen’s net worth using varied methodologies; conservative financial publications typically align around the lower-billion mark, while some online listings suggest higher figures. Here is a breakdown drawn from reputable profiles:

Stein Erik Hagen’s net worth evaluations reflect deep involvement in Norway’s economy and a decades-long commitment to diversified investment strategy.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Hagen’s reputation extends beyond wealth. He is widely regarded in Norway and internationally as a transformative retail entrepreneur and institutional investor. His strategies and leadership roles in major companies like Orkla and Canica have shaped consumer markets and corporate governance.

His openness about his personal life, including his bisexual identity, contributed to broader public discussions on leadership and visibility for LGBTQ+ figures in business. 

Conclusion

Stein Erik Hagen’s journey from a young Norwegian merchant to a business titan encapsulates the power of strategic vision, diversification, and personal authenticity. Born on July 22, 1956, his legacy spans retail innovation, high-stakes investments, and a personal life that has engaged the public just as much as his business achievements. Whether through boardrooms or celebrations of love, Hagen’s story continues to unfold with influence and depth.