Early Life
Petter Anker Stordalen Bjorvand was born in Porsgrunn, Norway, on November 29, 1962. He came from humble beginnings, with his father owning a grocery store. At the age of 12, Stordalen started selling strawberries at the local market. By 1974, he was recognized as Norway's top strawberry seller.
Rise to Success
Stordalen's career is marked by his rapid ascent in the business world. At 24, he became the youngest shopping center manager in Norway, managing City Syd in Trondheim. He later became the property director in a real estate company. He also played a key role in the transformation of the former market area in downtown Trondheim and the relaunch of the Liertoppen shopping center near Oslo. At the age of 29, he became an employee of a property development company. He was also instrumental in acquiring the historical department store Steen & Strøm in Oslo.
His breakthrough in the hotel industry came when he teamed up with an investor and purchased a significant share in Choice Hotels Scandinavia. Over the next three years, he expanded the hotel chain significantly, acquiring a new hotel every other week. Stordalen became a billionaire at the age of 37.
Key Business Strategies
Stordalen's business strategy has been marked by bold acquisitions and a focus on creating unique experiences. His hotel chain, Nordic Choice Hotels, expanded rapidly through strategic purchases. He has focused on innovation and creating a strong brand identity, often incorporating art and design into his hotels. In recent years, sustainability has been a central focus, with all Nordic Choice Hotels certified according to the ISO 14001 standard.
Philanthropy
Stordalen is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly through the Stordalen Foundation, which he founded with his former wife, Gunhild Stordalen. The foundation supports various scientific research programs and charities, with a focus on climate change and environmental initiatives. He has also been involved in initiatives to promote sustainability in the hotel industry.