Who is Peter Freuchen from Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific by Raft and what is their importance?

Peter, well-known for his arctic explorations, is a senior member of the Explorers Club in New York City. He listens to Thor and Herman as they explain their plans to sail a raft from South America to the South Sea Islands. Excited and wishing he could accompany them, he begins the preliminary tasks by contacting possible investors and other people who can help make the idea a reality.