Investor and author Thor ​​​​Björgólfsson (BS ‘91), returned to NYU Stern for a book event to share the story of how he built his company, Novator, then lost much of his wealth during the financial crisis, only to regain it through grit and ingenuity. He chronicles this compelling life journey in his book “Billions to Bust and Back: How I Made, Lost and Rebuilt a Fortune.”  

The evening featured a conversation with Thor and Matthew Bishop, U.S. Business Editor at The Economist, who wrote that the book “provides a gripping insider’s perspective on the causes of the financial crisis and its aftermath.” Alumni, students, and faculty attended the event to hear Björgólfsson discuss his experiences, from his business ventures in Russia to the moments his empire began to crumble. He credits his adaptability and a willingness to continually rebuild as the keys to his success. A cocktail reception and book signing followed the talk.

Björgólfsson is an active alumnus and generous NYU Stern donor. He is on the Board of Overseers and is involved in actively supporting the School. During the 2011 Global Alumni Conference in London, he served as conference Co-Chairman and Co-Host.