Our commitment to people and society drives everything we do.

about us

The company is wholly owned by the Melbye family, now in its fourth generation. For the first time, the family has chosen to appoint an external Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board to ensure a healthy balance within the family while strengthening the company's leadership and expertise. The family remains actively involved and shares offices with the management team at Melbye House.

Through our engagement in the Melbye Group, we have established a strong presence across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Finland. Since the 1930s, we have grown through talented people, strategic acquisitions, and continuous innovation. Success stories such as the growth of Betonmast and the development of Agaia reflect our commitment to building sustainable, forward-looking businesses. Building on our heritage, we continue to invest with ambition, long-term vision, and enduring values.

Ida Melbye-Larsen holds a degree in Economics from the United States and an MBA from BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo. With more than 30 years of business experience, she has held leadership and advisory roles across industry and consulting. After 16 years in various divisions of Norsk Hydro and additional experience at Telenor, she spent 13 years in executive and advisory positions within a leading consulting firm. She also brings extensive board experience, having served as Chair, Board Member, Nomination Committee Member, and Advisory Board Member.

With expertise in strategy, organizational development, change management, and business transformation, Ida plays an active role in the companies she supports. She is the CEO and Partner of A Board AS, a company dedicated to modernizing board recruitment with the aim of increasing diversity and strengthening expertise in Norwegian boardrooms. Ida Melbye-Larsen is a driving force for innovation in corporate governance and executive leadership. She is married to Øistein G. Larsen and has three adult children.

Ida Melbye - Larsen

H. Chr. Axel Melbye graduated from the Hotel Management School in Chur, Switzerland. After several years in the international hospitality industry, he applied his expertise to the development and sales of fashion brands and apparel concepts. Today, Axel serves on the boards of several companies within the HCA Melbye portfolio and is actively involved in a range of other businesses through investments, strategic partnerships, and board appointments.

As a fourth-generation member of the family business, Axel has played an active role in the company's continued development since joining the ownership group in 1991. He lives with his partner, Miriam, and together they have three children and one stepchild.

H. Chr. Axel Melbye

Bjarne Henning Melbye is the founder and CEO of Tomorrow Today (2M2D), a Norwegian investment company dedicated to supporting innovative entrepreneurs and technology companies. He holds degrees in Economics from BI Norwegian Business School, the University of Bath, and Australia, and has maintained a longstanding interest in investing and financial markets throughout his career.

Bjarne's experience spans multiple areas of finance, including foreign exchange trading and advisory services related to international business partnerships in China. As an active investor in technology companies, he is committed to supporting the next generation of innovation and technological advancement. Representing a unique combination of family heritage and modern entrepreneurship, he is actively involved in the development of HCA Melbye and its portfolio companies. Bjarne is married to Silje Bø Melbye and has two children.

Bjarne Henning Melbye

Solveig Melbye is Chair of the Board of HCA Melbye Holding AS and a Board Member of HCA Melbye AS. Representing the Melbye family's ownership, she plays an active role in ensuring long-term stewardship, guided by stability, strong values, and the responsible development of the companies within the HCA Melbye group.

Beyond her work within HCA Melbye, Solveig has been actively involved in organizations dedicated to public health and social impact, including For Kvinners Helse 1.6 Norge. She is the mother of Ida Melbye-Larsen, H. Chr. Axel Melbye, and Bjarne Henning Melbye.

Solveig Melbye

The current owners have begun introducing the next generation to the responsibilities of ownership through family gatherings, ongoing dialogue, and shared experiences. Holding the position they have built over generations is both a great privilege and a profound responsibility - one that must be understood, embraced, and passed on with care.

Cato Haug is the Chief Executive Officer of HCA Melbye. He holds a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and brings extensive experience in active ownership, business development, and mergers and acquisitions.

His background spans investments, executive leadership, and corporate governance, with a strong focus on developing companies across a wide range of industries. Prior to joining HCA Melbye, Haug was Co-Managing Partner and Partner at Herkules Capital.

Cato Haug

Mette - Line Tørnblad

Mette-Line Tørnblad is Head of Administration at HCA Melbye AS. She holds a degree in Economics from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and brings extensive experience in finance and administration.

As a key member of the organization, she plays an essential role in the day-to-day operations of HCA Melbye and its affiliated companies. She also serves as a trusted resource and advisor to the Melbye family, supporting both the business and the family's long-term activities.

Andreas Norvik is Chair of the Board of HCA Melbye. An experienced finance executive, he has a strong background in the media industry and has held senior leadership positions in several of Norway's leading organizations. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NRK, Norway's national public broadcaster.

Andreas Norvik

Our History