Halla Tómasdóttir
Who was Halla Tómasdóttir?
Icelandic businesswoman and politician who became the 7th President of Iceland in 2024. She previously worked as a business executive and was involved in various international organizations promoting gender equality and sustainable development.
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Halla Tómasdóttir (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Halla Tómasdóttir was born on October 11, 1968, in Reykjavík, Iceland. She pursued her higher education in the United States, studying at Auburn University at Montgomery and later at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, where she gained expertise in international business and global affairs. Her educational background set her up for a career in business leadership, gender advocacy, and international development.
Tómasdóttir had a notable career in business and nonprofit leadership before she entered politics. She was the chief executive of The B Team, a global nonprofit organization focused on sustainable business practices and social responsibility. Her work with this organization made her an important voice in corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability internationally. She became well-known as a public speaker, delivering impactful talks, including memorable TED presentations on women's political participation and Iceland's response to its financial crisis.
In 2024, Tómasdóttir was elected as the 7th President of Iceland, becoming the second woman to hold the office after Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. Her presidency was a significant moment in Icelandic politics, continuing the country's progressive approach to gender equality in leadership roles. Her election was a nod to her reputation as an advocate for women's rights and sustainable development, issues that had been central to her career.
As president, Tómasdóttir has received numerous international honors for her contributions to business, gender equality, and international cooperation. These include the Knight of the Order of the Elephant in 2024, the Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Falcon in 2024, and the Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland in 2025. Her recognition extends across Nordic countries and beyond, highlighting her impact in promoting democratic values and sustainable development practices worldwide.
Before Fame
Growing up in Reykjavík during the 1970s and 1980s, Tómasdóttir experienced a time of big social changes in Iceland. The country was modernizing quickly and becoming more globally engaged, especially after Vigdís Finnbogadóttir became president in 1980, making Iceland a leader in women's political leadership worldwide.
Choosing to study in the United States showed Iceland's growing international focus and the new opportunities for Icelandic students to gain global perspectives. During the late 20th century, business education started to focus more on international markets and corporate responsibility, trends that later influenced Tómasdóttir's career in sustainable business practices and global nonprofit leadership.
Key Achievements
- Elected as 7th President of Iceland in 2024, becoming the second female president
- Served as CEO of The B Team, a prominent global nonprofit organization
- Recipient of multiple high-level international orders and decorations from Nordic countries
- Delivered influential TED talks on women's political participation and crisis response
- Recognized with the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards for entrepreneurial leadership
Did You Know?
- 01.She delivered a TED talk titled 'It's time for women to run for office' which became widely viewed internationally
- 02.Her presidency began during Iceland's continued recovery and transformation following the 2008 financial crisis
- 03.She received the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards in 2009 for her entrepreneurial work
- 04.She will receive the Knight of the Seraphim honor in 2026, one of Sweden's highest decorations
- 05.Her TED talk about Iceland's financial crisis focused on bringing a 'feminine response' to economic challenges
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cartier Women's Initiative Awards | 2009 | — |
| Knight of the Order of the Elephant | 2024 | — |
| Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Falcon | 2024 | — |
| Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Saint Olav | — | — |
| Knight of the Seraphim | 2026 | — |
| Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland | 2025 | — |