Peter Olsen

Peter Olsen is a British-born entrepreneur whose life journey spans continents, industries and personal transformations. Born in Kentish Town, London, Olsen relocated to Hong Kong in 1972, where he built a career in the toy manufacturing business. His early work with Matchbox toys led to the founding of his own company in 1982, and he became a major player in the global toy industry -- famously producing dolls of the boy band Take That.

Olsen’s business acumen turned him into a multimillionaire, but this is far from a simple rags-to-riches tale. At 52, he developed a cocaine dependency that led him through years of struggle. He entered recovery programmes including The Priory and the Betty Ford Clinic, eventually emerging as an advocate and donor for addiction recovery communities. Today, he is actively involved in supporting rehab centres such as Vera’s Sanctuary for Women and recovery networks around the world.

A lifelong Arsenal fan, Olsen has used his wealth to give back, funding 30,000 meals for struggling families in North London during the Covid-19 pandemic. His donations to the Willow Foundation, co-founded by Arsenal legend Bob Wilson, further cement his ties to the football club. In 2023, he donated to Wallsend Boys Club, a youth football organisation in the northeast of England known for producing top-tier talent. The donation reflects Olsen’s belief in sport as a force for good.

Now in his 80s, Olsen lives between the UK and Hong Kong and remains a gentle powerhouse, mentoring entrepreneurs and funding humanitarian efforts.