Dr. Frederik Paulsen, Ph.D., is a Swedish businessman and explorer, the former Chairman of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a massive, privately owned pharmaceutical company specializing in peptide hormones and reproductive health drugs. His family's industrial legacy began with his father, Frederik Paulsen Sr. (d. 1997), who founded the company in 1950 as the Nordic Hormone Laboratory.

Paulsen's background is characterized by a strong commitment to science and a turbulent early life: he was arrested by the Gestapo in 1933 in Germany for distributing anti-Nazi literature and fled to Sweden in 1935. Paulsen Jr. joined the company in 1976, rising to Chairman of the Board from 1988 to 2021. He holds degrees in Chemistry and Business Administration and a Ph.D. from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris.

Frederik Paulsen's career is defined by his long-term stewardship of the private Ferring Group and his extensive polar exploration and adventure tourism. Under his leadership, Ferring grew into a global biopharma company, leveraging its expertise in peptide hormones to create world-class drugs. His commitment to maintaining private ownership ensures the company's long-term R&D focus, free from the pressures of public markets.

Beyond pharma, Paulsen is a renowned explorer, having been one of the few to visit all of the eight poles of the world. His exploration ventures and investment in the Ferring Arctic Centre reflect his personal passion for adventure and environmental science. He stepped down as Chairman in June 2021, becoming Chairman Emeritus. His wealth is tied to the stable, multi-billion dollar private pharmaceutical empire he controls.

Frederik Paulsen's social impact is structural, stemming from Ferring's role in providing essential reproductive health and specialty drugs globally. His company's products profoundly impact family planning and chronic disease management.

His personal philanthropy supports Arctic research and environmental causes, reflecting his passion for exploration. His career provides an example of a corporate heir leveraging wealth for both industrial dominance and high-impact scientific and geographical exploration.

Frederik Paulsen maintains the distinguished, adventurous style of a European industrialist and explorer. His attire is often professional but includes functional outdoor gear for his expeditions. His aesthetic is one of stability and profound curiosity.

Residing in Switzerland, his luxury is the immense security and autonomy derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to the stewardship of his family's industrial legacy and his deep passion for scientific research, adventure, and the polar regions.