Sam Eyde

Sam Eyde was a Norwegian engineer and industrialist who played a key role in the development of Norway’s hydroelectric power and fertilizer industries. He was the founder of both Norsk Hydro and Elkem, two of the largest companies in Norway. He also contributed to the establishment of several towns and communities, such as Rjukan, Notodden, and Eydehavn, where his factories were located. He was a visionary leader who collaborated with scientists, inventors, and financiers to realize his ambitious projects. He was also involved in politics and diplomacy, serving as a member of the Norwegian Parliament and as a minister to the United States. He was a generous philanthropist who supported various causes, such as education, culture, and sports. He was awarded several honors and distinctions, such as the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav, the Grand Cross of the Order of Vasa, and the honorary doctorate from the Norwegian Institute of Technology. He died in 1940 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship.