Viking Mestad: A Legacy in Norwegian Banking and Public Service
Viking Mestad (1930–2013) was a distinguished figure in Norway, carving out a multifaceted career that spanned the heights of financial administration, national politics, and the promotion of Norwegian arts and language. As a banker and a politician for the Liberal Party, Mestad played a pivotal role in the administrative machinery of the Norwegian state.
Professional Career in Banking
Mestad's professional journey began with a strong academic foundation in law, earning his cand.jur. degree (a professional law degree) in 1955. This legal expertise paved the way for his entry into the Bank of Norway in 1962.
Over the course of several decades, Mestad rose through the ranks of the central bank. In 1986, he transitioned from his role as head of the administration department to become the director of the secretariat of the board, known as the Hovedstyresekretariatet. He continued to serve the institution until his retirement in 1995.
Even after leaving active service, Mestad contributed to the field of financial history. In 2002, he published a comprehensive study titled Frå fot til feste - norsk valutarett og valutapolitikk 1873-2001, which examined Norwegian currency law and exchange rate policy over more than a century.
Political Contributions and Public Office
Beyond the banking sector, Mestad was active in governance. During the early 1970s, he served as a member of the Oslo city council, contributing to the local administration of the capital.
His political influence extended to the national level from 1972 to 1973, when he served as a State Secretary in the Ministry of Government Administration and Consumer Affairs. This appointment was part of Korvald's Cabinet, reflecting his commitment to the Liberal Party's vision for the country.
Cultural Advocacy and the Arts
Viking Mestad was a passionate advocate for Nynorsk, one of the two official written standards of the Norwegian language. His commitment to Norwegian culture was most evident in his leadership of the arts.
From 1977 to 1997, Mestad served as the chair of Det Norske Teatret, a prominent theatre dedicated to Nynorsk performances. Following his twenty-year tenure, he was succeeded by Berge Furre.
His contributions to the performing arts were widely recognized. Shortly after his retirement, he was named an honorary member of the Association of Norwegian Theatres and Orchestras, the primary employers' association for the sector. Additionally, he was honored with the Hedda Award, one of Norway's most prestigious theatre prizes.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Viking Mestad
- Lifespan: 12 January 1930 – 15 December 2013
- Political Affiliation: Liberal Party
- Key Banking Role: Director of the secretariat of the board (Hovedstyresekretariatet) at the Bank of Norway
- Government Role: State Secretary in the Ministry of Government Administration and Consumer Affairs (1972–1973)
- Cultural Leadership: Chair of Det Norske Teatret (1977–1997)
- Major Award: Hedda Award
| Period/Year | Role or Achievement | Organization/Field |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Earned cand.jur. degree | Law |
| 1962–1995 | Banker / Director of Secretariat | Bank of Norway |
| 1972–1973 | State Secretary | Ministry of Government Administration |
| 1977–1997 | Chair | Det Norske Teatret |
| 2002 | Published study on currency law | Financial History |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Viking Mestad's role at the Bank of Norway?
Mestad joined the Bank of Norway in 1962 and eventually served as the head of the administration department before becoming the director of the secretariat of the board (Hovedstyresekretariatet) in 1986.
Which political party did Viking Mestad represent?
He was a politician for the Liberal Party and served as a State Secretary in Korvald's Cabinet between 1972 and 1973.
How did Mestad contribute to the Norwegian arts?
He served as the chair of Det Norske Teatret for twenty years (1977–1997) and received the Hedda Award for his contributions to the theatre.
What was the subject of Mestad's 2002 publication?
His study, titled Frå fot til feste, focused on Norwegian currency law and exchange rate policy from 1873 to 2001.
Who is Viking Mestad's son?
Viking Mestad is the father of the actor Henrik Mestad.