Þorsteinn Már Baldvinsson Honored with Þjðmál 2025 Award
In a splendid ceremony at the Whale Museum, Þorsteinn Már Baldvinsson, the former CEO of Samherji, was bestowed with the prestigious Þjðmál 2025 honorary award. The event saw an impressive turnout of 280 guests, all donned in their finest attire, celebrating a distinguished figure in Icelandic business.
The accolade was presented by Gísli Freyr Valdórsson, the owner of Þjóðmál, amid the unveiling of a striking portrait of Þorsteinn, crafted by the talented artist Sigurður Sævar Magnúsarson.
A Towering Contribution to Society
In his award citation, it was emphasized that Þorsteinn’s impact on Icelandic society has been immense. He has been a pivotal force in the development of Samherji, a company that has risen to become one of the nation’s most stable fishing enterprises, operating across multiple countries.
Notable past recipients of this honor include Jón Sigurðsson, former CEO of Össur, in 2023, and Grímur Sæmundsen, CEO and founder of Bláa lónsin, in 2024.
The evening’s festivities featured Dr. Hannes Hólmsteinn Gissurarson, a former professor at the University of Iceland, as the esteemed guest of honor. His address sparked laughter throughout the room, adding a lighthearted touch to the celebratory atmosphere.
Celebrating Iceland’s Bright Future
Awards were also conferred in several categories, recognizing innovation and growth in Icelandic business. Among the standout honorees was Laxey, a salmon farming company in Vestmannaeyjar, which was celebrated as the brightest hope in Icelandic enterprise. Once fully operational, Laxey’s export value is projected to reach approximately 50 billion ISK. The award was accepted by the company’s financial director, Hörður Orri Grettisson.
The prestigious title of Business of the Year 2025 went to the sale of Öskja, a car dealership that was acquired by the British automotive giant Inchcape. Hjörleifur Jakobsson, Öskja’s chairman and largest shareholder until the sale, received the award alongside CEO Jón Trausta Ólafsson.
Íslandsbanki was honored with the Þjóðmála 2025 Community Award, acknowledging its longstanding commitment to the Reykjavík Marathon. The bank has been instrumental in rallying support for charitable organizations, contributing billions to significant causes over the years.
The title of Merchants of the Year was awarded to Finnur Aðalbjörnsson and Sigríður M. Hammer, the founders of Skógarbáðin, which has emerged as a pivotal attraction in the Eyjafjörður region. The venture promises to generate hundreds of jobs, directly and indirectly, as it continues to develop.
A Night to Remember
The Þjóðmál evening, now in its third iteration and hosted at Hvalasafn for the second time, was skillfully guided by Stefán Einar Stefánsson, the Spursmála coordinator at mbl.is. Guests were treated to enchanting performances by the Boys’ Choir, which serenaded them with beautiful selections, alongside masters Stefán Hilmarsson, Eyjólfur Kristjánsson, and Bergthór Pálsson, who captivated the audience with their artistry.
As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere was further enriched by the talents of a jazz band, led by guitarist Ásgeir Ásgeirsson. The ensemble, featuring saxophonist Haukur Gröndal, double bassist Þorgrímur Jónsson, and drummer Magnús Tryggvason Elíassen, provided a delightful musical backdrop, enhancing the festive celebration.
As the awards were recognized and achievements celebrated, it was clear that the spirit of innovation and community flourishes in Icelandic business, promising a thriving future for the nation.
