Erik Kiaer
Board Member
Erik's Nordic heritage spans three countries - born in Hagfors, Sweden, raised in Rendalen, Norway, and carrying a Danish surname. That said, he supports the Norwegian national team and served in the Norwegian Army Corps of Engineers.
His education bridges continents, with an International Baccalaureate from Pearson College UWC (Vancouver Island), a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University (Montreal), and a Master of Design from Illinois Tech (Chicago).
Erik began his career as a process engineer constructing North Sea oil and gas platforms. Following his Master's degree, he spent three decades as an innovation consultant, rising to Managing Director in Deloitte Consulting's Sustainability and Transformation Strategy practice, with prior roles at Ideo, Doblin Group, and Monitor Group. Currently, he leads Chock LLC, focusing on venture development and sustainability initiatives.
Erik lives in Portland with his wife Lorraine. His daughter Julia is a past recipient of the Oregon Lucia Scholarship.
Favorite Nordic Food?
I love cured as well as smoked salmon, with Freia chocolate a close second. They balance each other out.
What is your favorite Nordic Holiday and why?
I have always loved Easter in Norway when everyone heads into the mountains to ski and get sunburned by the first warm rays of spring.