Jan Olesen was born and raised in Sao Paulo, the son of a Danish father of German decent and a Brazilian-Danish mother. Olesen has been involved in the worlds of fashion, art and global culture all his life. Since 2007, he has been business partner of world renowned photographer Mario Testino and managing director of Testino’s commercial and creative operations. Together, they established Testino’s creative agency MARIOTESTINO+.

Working across all of Testino’s commissioned and private projects, MARIOTESTINO+ is the team that supports Testino to realise the breadth of his creative output and enterprise. These activities include creative direction, brand strategy, graphic design, film, digital and social media, product development, books, exhibitions, licensing and partnerships. Clients have included Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Chanel beauty, Dolce & Gabanna fragrances, Versace and Lancome among many more.

In 2012 Olesen worked closely with Testino to launch MATE – Museo Mario Testino, in Testino’s hometown of Lima. The not-for-profit cultural foundation works to empower artists, students, and the people of Peru through immersion and training in visual culture. The vision of MATE is to bring Peruvian artists and culture to worldwide attention, while offering the best of international contemporary art and photography to audiences in Lima.