Our history
Ahmed Bozgil - a pioneering figure in reception management
The significant arrivals of refugees continued, and in 1993, the Dale Reception Center in Sandnes was established. A young and ambitious journalist of Kurdish background named Ahmed Bozgil was appointed as the reception manager. Over the next years, he would become a central figure in the development of reception services and Hero as an organization. In 1996, he was appointed as CEO and until his passing in 2013, he was a unifying figurehead in the company.
Ahmed himself came to Norway as a political refugee from Turkey in 1986 and had clear ideas and visions about how reception centers should be run. With a unique ability to align people's efforts, he steered Dale in a new direction. He entered the industry with ambitions to give residents of reception centers more responsibility and opportunities. In collaboration with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), resident participation was tested at Dale. Today, the concept is an important methodological element and a statutory requirement in Norwegian reception management.
A national operating service provider emerges
After a total of 12,000 refugees arrived in 1994, mostly Bosnians, there was a dramatic reduction in reception capacity nationwide the following year. Of the six reception centers that Hero had established during those years, only Dale remained operational, ensuring continued progress for a weakened organization.
The arrivals of asylum seekers increased in the subsequent years, with a significant influx of Kurds from Iraq. By the year 2000, Hero had established itself in all regions of the country, with a total of 16 reception centers, taking a significant step towards becoming a leading service operator. Recognizing the importance of providing children with good living conditions in the reception centers, Hero also established several publicly approved multicultural childcare centers during this period.
In 2000, there was a significant and important change in the ownership of Hero. One of the major shareholders retired and sold their shares, which accounted for 50 percent of ownership, to ISS. Their entry into Hero opened up new opportunities in corporate development, particularly in terms of finance and administration systems, training, economies of scale, and professional governance. By 2003, the company had grown to over 300 employees and a total of 25 reception centers nationwide.
New business areas are established
In 2005, Hero Tolk was established as a new business area, followed by Hero Kompetanse in 2006. The establishment of new business areas created excitement and engagement about how to succeed in completely new markets.
Hero's professional engagement in the reception field attracted international interest, and in 2005, Hero accepted the opportunity to represent Norway in the Enaro network (European Network of Asylum Reception Organizations).
In 2008 and 2009, asylum seeker arrivals escalated once again, and Hero took an active role, establishing 6,000 new reception places. Throughout 2009, the organization gained momentum, surpassing 1,200 employees, operating 45 reception centers, and running 16 departments for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers.
New management and new owners
In 2013, Hero suffered a significant blow with the passing of Ahmed Bozgil after a period of illness. Tor Brekke took over the helm as CEO and Group CEO. The reception operation continued with a focus on quality, diversity of resources, and resident participation. At the same time, the company was geared up for further growth and internationalization across all business areas.
In 2014, Hero gained new owners. Brothers Roger and Kristian Adolfsen acquired the majority of shares from ISS, with Ronald Tuft through his company Hospitality Invest. Hero, along with Aberia and Norlandia, became part of the NHC Group.The change in ownership led to continued growth in Norway and the establishment of Hero Sweden the same year. The major European refugee crisis in 2015 once again led to the establishment of thousands of new Hero reception places in Norway and Sweden.
In 2017, we launched Hero Zukunft in Germany and currently operate six asylum reception centers there.
The war in Ukraine - new mobilization
In March 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Hero mobilized 10,000 new bed spaces within a few days. As of 2024, Hero operates 36 reception centers with 5,000 residents. Hero Tolk recruited 300 new interpreters in Russian and Ukrainian. Hero Komeptanse started several digital Norwegian courses for residents in asylum reception centres.
Our people - our story
In 2023, we produced a documentary about Hero and our history. We've created this documentary to elucidate our purpose, chronicle our history, elucidate our methods and philosophy, convey compelling narratives, and foster pride among our employees.