In memory of our founder, Ingvar Kamprad

With great sadness, we heard today that our founder, Ingvar Kamprad, passed away last night. Ingvar achieved many incredible things in his life and had a tremendous passion for working hard to achieve—in his words—“a glorious future”.

Our CEO, Per Heggenes, said: “One of the greatest entrepreneurs of the 20th century, Ingvar inspired and challenged us even during his last days. We will remember his dedication and commitment to always side with the many people.

“Ingvar’s extensive knowledge, engagement and enthusiasm over the years has been a huge source of inspiration. His heritage will always stay with us, and we will honor his legacy by constantly searching for new and better ways to find solutions that no one else has thought of and to do great things for the many children.”

Ingvar Kamprad was born in 1926 in Småland in southern Sweden. At the early age of 17 he founded IKEA, the business that became his lifelong commitment. Ingvar’s driving force was the vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people.

In the same spirit and with the same vision, he founded the IKEA Foundation. He explained at the time: “Today, our goal with the IKEA Foundation is in keeping with exactly what we’ve always tried to do as a home furnishings company—create a better everyday life for as many people as possible around the world.

“When I decided to give the company to a foundation back in 1982, I did it because I wanted to ensure that IKEA will continue as an independent company long after I am not there to look after the business. I also wanted to ensure that we use some of our profits to help create a better life for the many people in need.”

We at the IKEA Foundation are ever grateful to him for that vision, which we will continue to strive for. Our hearts are with Ingvar’s family and many close friends at this sad time.

Read more from Ingvar about why he founded the IKEA Foundation