Halla Tómasdóttir Facts for Kids

This is an Icelandic name. The last name is a patronymic or matronymic, not a family name; this person is properly referred to by the given name "Halla".

Quick facts for kids Her Excellency Halla Tómasdóttir
Halla in 2024

7th President of Iceland
Incumbent
Assumed office 1 August 2024
Prime Minister	Bjarni Benediktsson Kristrún Frostadóttir
Preceded by	Guðni Th. Jóhannesson

Personal details
Born	(1968-10-11) 11 October 1968 (age 56) Reykjavík, Iceland
Political party	Independent
Spouse	Björn Skúlason
Children	2
Alma mater	Auburn University at Montgomery (BBA) Thunderbird School of Global Management (MBA)
Awards	Cartier Women's Initiative Awards

Halla Tómasdóttir was born on October 11, 1968. She is an Icelandic businesswoman and politician. Since 2024, she has been the seventh president of Iceland. Halla is the second woman to become president of Iceland. The first was Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. Before becoming president, Halla was a public speaker. She also led a global group called The B Team. This group works to make businesses better for people and the planet.

Halla's Early Life and School
Halla's Career Before Presidency
- Running for President in 2016
Becoming President in 2024
Halla's Family Life
Awards and Honours
- Icelandic Honours
- International Honours
See also

Halla's Early Life and School

Halla finished high school at Verzló in 1986. After that, she moved to the United States as an international student. She went to Evansville Central High School. In 1993, she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Auburn University at Montgomery. Her studies focused on management and human resources. Later, in 1995, she received a master's degree in business from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. This school is part of Arizona State University.

Halla's Career Before Presidency

Halla was part of the team that started Reykjavík University in 1998. She also helped create Auður Capital. This was an investment company. She was the chief executive of The B Team. This is a worldwide group of business and community leaders. They work to make sure businesses focus on people and the environment.

Running for President in 2016

On March 17, 2016, Halla announced she would run for president of Iceland. She came in second place in that election. She received 27.9% of the votes. The winner, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, received 39.1%.

Becoming President in 2024

On June 1, 2024, Halla won the Icelandic presidential election. She beat Katrín Jakobsdóttir, who was a former prime minister. Halla won by about 10 percentage points. Her campaign focused on important topics. These included how social media affects young people's mental health. She also talked about tourism and the role of artificial intelligence. Halla officially became president on August 1, 2024.