Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad dies at 91
Publicerad 2018-01-28
Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad died at the age of 91, the company confirmed on Sunday morning.
He passed away in his home in Småland, Sweden on Saturday after a short time’s illness, the furniture giant’s press service wrote in a statement.
”We are incredibly sorry for the loss of Ingvar. We will always remember his dedication and commitment to always work for the many people. To never give up, always try to get better and to lead by setting a good example,” Ikea’s CEO Torbjörn Lööf said.
According to Ikea, he was working until the end, following his motto that most things still are undone.
”We are mourning the loss of our founder and beloved friend Ingvar. His legacy will be admired in many years to come and his vision, to create a better everyday life for the many, will in the future continue to guide and inspire us,” Jesper Brodin, Ikea CEO and head of the Ikea concern, said.
”Unique entrepreneur”
Ingvar Kamprad was born on the 30 March 1926. At 17, he founded the firm Ikea in Älmhult. Today, Ikea has 362 stores in 29 countries. Since 1988 he has not had any operative role in the company, but contributed to it as a senior adviser.
”He was a unique entrepreneur who meant a lot for Swedish trade, who has made home furniture available for the broader masses,” Swedish prime minister Stefan Löfven told Aftonbladet.
”He was a very down-to-earth”
Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf said Ingvar Kamprad through his life’s work contributed to promote Sweden in the world.
”He was a very down-to-earth man with a great dedication. As late as this summer the Queen and I had the honour of collaborating him regarding the issue of older people’s living situation. Mine and my family’s thoughts and deepest participation today go to Ingvar Kamprad’s family and friends,” the King said in a statement.
Kamprad lived in Switzerland for 37 years but in 2015 sold his villa outside of Lausanne, moving back to the city Älmhult in southern Sweden.