Frida Schou

Frida Maria Schou (1891–1980) was an early Danish businesswoman. Despite lifelong dyslexia, from 1928 to 1967 she ran Knabstrup Teglværk, a brick and porcelain factory near Holbæk in western Zealand. At the time, it was quite unusual for a woman to head such a large industrial establishment. She is remembered for her energetic and efficient leadership and for her concern for the well-being of a workforce of up to 160 employees. In addition, she was a board member of another brick factory, Skandinavisk Molerindustri on the island of Mors (1946–1970), serving seven years as chair.

Early life Born on 16 June 1891 on the Mullerupgård estate near Slagelse in western Zealand, Frida Maria Schou was one of the six children of the businessman Hans Henrik Schou (1860–1928) and his wife Anna Marie Mercedita née Krogh (1862–1944). Unlike her twin sister Hedevig, as a result of dyslexia she had difficulty at school and was unable to take the matriculation examination at Marie Kruse's School in Copenhagen. Instead she became the favourite daughter of her father whom she accompanied in his business activities, learning his management skills.

Awards In 1951, Schou was awarded the Royal Medal of Recompense.