Epic Systems Founder’s Fortune Soars, Dubbed a “Female Bill Gates and Willy Wonka”
VERDAL, Norway – The wealth of Judy Faulkner, founder and CEO of Epic systems – the electronic health record (EHR) company powering Norway’s new national health platform – has considerably increased, landing her a spot on Forbes’ annual list of the world’s richest peopel. Faulkner’s innovative approach to healthcare technology and unique company culture have earned her comparisons to both Microsoft founder Bill gates and the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka.
Epic Systems delivers the core technology behind the controversial Helseplattformen rollout in Norway. Faulkner, 82, is lauded as a leading innovator in medical technology, and eric Dickson, CEO at Umass Memorial health, described her to CNBC as “a female mix of Bill Gates and Willy Wonka.” The comparison stems from Faulkner’s technical prowess, akin to gates, combined with the unconventional and immersive habitat she’s created at Epic’s Wisconsin headquarters, reminiscent of Wonka’s chocolate factory. The headquarters features elaborate displays and hosts an annual gathering for customers in a massive, 11,400-person capacity underground auditorium.
Forbes’ ranking highlights the growing financial success of those involved in healthcare technology. Fifteen Norwegians or Norwegian families appear on the list, with Odd Reitan and family ranked 597th and salmon heir Gustav Magnar Witzøe at 1108th. It’s vital to note that Forbes’ asset calculations may differ from Norwegian tax authorities’ valuations.
Faulkner’s success story underscores the increasing value placed on efficient and integrated healthcare systems, and the role technology plays in shaping the future of medicine.