About me
Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir serves as Ambassador of Iceland to the United States of America, a position she has held since 2024. Her distinguished career spans government service, business leadership, and media, bringing extensive experience in international relations, economic policy, and strategic communications to her diplomatic role.
Prior to her ambassadorial appointment, Valsdóttir served as Secretary General of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce from 2020-2024, where she led advocacy efforts for Icelandic businesses and economic development initiatives. Her government experience includes senior advisory roles at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (2013-2020) and the Prime Minister's Office, where she contributed to key policy development and implementation across multiple administrations.
Valsdóttir's media background includes significant roles as host and editor at Stöð 2 (Channel 2) and as a newsreporter, television host, and editor at RÚV (The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service), providing her with deep understanding of public communication and civic engagement. Her educational foundation includes an MBA from Reykjavík University and a law degree (Cand. jur.) from the University of Iceland.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated commitment to advancing equality and social progress through various board positions and working groups, including participation in the Prime Minister's Working Group on Foreigners Employment Rights and the Culture and Business Affairs Minister's Working Group on institutional reform. Her early involvement with youth advocacy includes leadership roles in the State Youth Council and representation in Nordic regional initiatives.
