Congratulations - Thor Stadil, 80

Thor is celebrating his 80th birthday today in Shanghai, China, alongside his OVODAN colleagues. In Chinese culture, the number 80 symbolizes great happiness and vitality—qualities that Thor clearly embodies.

Just last week, Thor was surprised with a heartfelt birthday celebration at Harridslevgaard Castle, where his family, friends, and THORNICO colleagues came together to honour him ahead of the big day.

For decades, Thor has led the THORNICO conglomerate with vision, dedication, and passion, building a legacy that continues to inspire many. From his early beginnings, his journey has been one of resilience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

For those interested in learning more about Thor’s inspiring journey in both business and life, you can read his biography below.

Here’s to many more years of good health, happiness, and continued inspiration! 

Biography of Thor Stadil

Name: Thor Stadil

Date of Birth: 07-11-1944

Title: Chairman of the Board at THORNICO A/S

Education: Master of Law (University of Copenhagen, 1971)

Thor Stadil is the Chairman of the Board of THORNICO, a conglomerate he established in the 1990s with his son, Christian Stadil. Under the Stadil family's ownership, THORNICO has grown into a global conglomerate with revenue exceeding 10 billion DKK and an annual profit of around 1 billion DKK. Today, THORNICO comprises approximately 130 operating companies across five verticals: Food, Food Technology, Packaging, Real Estate, and Sports & Fashion. Among these companies are the sports apparel brand hummel, the world’s largest egg packaging manufacturer Brdr. Hartmann, the food technology company SANOVO TECHNOLOGY GROUP, and food ingredient producers OVODAN EGG GROUP and Lactosan. Thor currently sits on the boards of many THORNICO companies and travels frequently around the world, with numerous business travel days each year.

In his youth, Thor Stadil lived for several years in Africa, attending a Catholic school in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he was taught by monks and nuns. He spent his high school years at Stenhus Boarding School in Holbæk before graduating as a lawyer from the University of Copenhagen in 1971 and worked for many years as one of Denmark’s leading corporate lawyers.

In 2024, Thor Stadil was named “Person of the Year” by the International Egg Commission, a global egg industry organization, in recognition of his prestigious work and exceptional contributions to the global egg industry.

Privately, Thor is the owner of Kørup Castle on North Funen, where he enjoys spending his free time maintaining the castle park and spending time with his wife of over 50 years, Kisser, their family, and four grandchildren.

He is also an avid mountaineer and has climbed four of the highest peaks on the world’s seven continents, known as the "7 Summits," including the highest peak outside the Himalayas, Aconcagua.