EKER GROUP
HISTORY
Bård Eker is a Norwegian industrial designer, entrepreneur, and innovator. He is educated in Industrial Design, Engineering, and Architecture from Pratt Institute in New York and Statens Håndverks- og Kunstindustriskole in Oslo.
Throughout his career, Eker has been involved in the development and innovation of a number of Norwegian and international companies. He is the owner of several high-technology businesses and has extensive experience as a Chief Executive Officer within the design and development industry. Today, he serves on multiple boards as both Chairman and Board Member.
Through Eker Group, he has established himself as an entrepreneur with a clear eye for opportunities. His pragmatic approach, combined with a willingness to commit resources to develop and realise ideas, has resulted in several successful ventures, many of which remain part of the Group. This mindset forms a foundation for the Eker Group’s culture and has contributed to its position as a leading innovation-driven organisation in Norway.
35 YEARS OF VALUE CREATION
Projectiondesign
0–100 in 5 years. EBIT of 100MNOK after 5 years in operation. High-end performance projectors (now Barco). Founded in 2001. Majority owner and industry partner in a company that invented single-chip projectors for the professional simulator market. Sold to Barco in 2009.
Koenigsegg
50X Growth in orders from 2004 to 2018. Swedish supercar brand and manufacturer. Founded in 1994. Group engaged from 2004. Partner of the process of developing the company from start-up level to an established industry leader. Majority owner 2004–2018 (exit).
Hydrolift
Innovation and knowledge shared across platforms and throughout the product value chain. High-speed pleasure and professional boat manufacturer. Founded in 1985. Group engaged from 2002. Award-winning company setting standards for performance, efficiency, and build quality for both leisure and professional vessels.
EpiGuard
14X increase in units sold from 2019 to 2020. Medical isolation and transport systems company. Founded in 2015. Developed to address the need for safe transport and treatment of infected patients. Solid growth in 2020. Majority shareholder.
Nordic Aquafarms
9X revenue growth from 2017 to 2019. Land-based aquaculture company. Founded in 2015. Focused on production close to major markets. Minority shareholder with a seat on the Board of Directors.
Hyke
Aims to reduce CAPEX by 50 percent compared to traditional urban ferries. Zero-emission ferry company for urban mobility. Founded in 2020. Develops modular, multi-purpose ferries designed for fleet autonomy. Majority shareholder.
OFFSHORE CHAMPION
Bård’s adventure, enthusiasm, and interest in engine technology and speed has made him a World Champion. For several years he participated the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, and won the gold medal in 2005.
The offshore racing history, pushing the limits to the edge, har been the classroom of designing world class performance boats. Through the most effective hull design he created a unique driving experience for Hydrolift boat owners.