Frederik Paulsen, the renowned Swedish billionaire and non-executive chairman of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, has etched his name in history through his extraordinary journey. Zatrun.com delves into the life, career, and philanthropic endeavors of this exceptional individual to unveil the story of his remarkable legacy.
Early Beginnings: Shaping the Path of a Billionaire
Frederik Dag Arfst Paulsen, a Swedish citizen born in Stockholm on October 30, 1950, embarked on a life journey that would be nothing short of extraordinary. He hails from a lineage deeply connected to Ferring Pharmaceuticals, with his father, Frederik Paulsen Sr., being the company’s founder.
Paulsen’s upbringing in Sweden was not only under the influence of his father but also his father’s second wife, Dr. Eva Wolf Frandsen, a pioneering researcher at Ferring. His educational foundation was laid in Sweden, and he furthered his knowledge by studying chemistry at the Christian Albrecht University in Kiel, Germany, and business administration at Lund University in Sweden. Later in life, he earned a doctoral degree in Demography from Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris, France.
Frederik Paulsen: A Career Forged in Excellence
Since 2003, Frederik Paulsen has called Switzerland his home, coinciding with Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ establishment of its global headquarters in Saint-Prex. His illustrious career primarily centers around the Ferring Pharmaceuticals Group, where he has played key roles since 1976, ascending to senior executive positions.
However, his interests extend beyond the pharmaceutical industry, encompassing real estate and viticulture. Notably, Paulsen’s influence extends to various boards, and he served as a member of the board of directors for the prominent tobacco company, Philip Morris International, until 2023.
From 2009 to 2022, Paulsen took on the honorable role of Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Lausanne, Switzerland, an office that was elevated to Honorary Consul General in 2015. His diplomatic contributions did not go unnoticed, and in 2020, he received the esteemed title of Knight of the Order of St. John, bestowed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth of England.
The Adventurous Explorer
Frederik Paulsen’s life is not confined to the boardroom; he is also an intrepid explorer. In 2007, he joined hands with Russian veteran explorer Artur Chilingarov and Australian researcher Mike McDowell for a remarkable expedition. Descending more than 14,000 feet in a Russian MIR submersible, they collected samples of soil and fauna at the Arctic Ocean’s North Pole.
In 2010, Paulsen, alongside his travel companion François Bernard, achieved a historic feat by completing the first crossing of the Bering Strait, flying from America to Russia in an ultralight aircraft. The winter of 2013 marked a defining moment as Paulsen became the first person to explore all eight of the Earth’s poles, a testament to his unyielding spirit of adventure.
A Philanthropic Heart
In his role as chairman emeritus of Ferring, Frederik Paulsen has exemplified the essence of philanthropy. As a founding sponsor of The Peptide Therapeutics Foundation, he has actively contributed to the opening of numerous fertility clinics across Russia, addressing critical demographic challenges.
His philanthropic footprint extends to cultural and educational realms as well. Notably, he has generously donated approximately $40 million to the Museum Kunst der Westküste, which translates to the Museum of West Coast Art. Paulsen’s benevolence has also reached scientific institutions, as he has made substantial contributions to the Salk Institute in San Diego, California, the Royal Textile Academy in Bhutan, and the South Georgia Heritage Trust in Scotland.
Frederik Paulsen’s life story is an embodiment of adventure, achievement, and altruism. His contributions to various fields and his relentless pursuit of exploration have made him a unique and inspiring figure on the global stage. Zatrun.com’s exploration of his life and endeavors sheds light on the profound impact of this exceptional individual.
