Mika Ihamuotila: The Marimekko President
Mika Ihamuotila is the president and CEO of Marimekko Corporation, a position he has held since 2008. He is also the chairman of the board of directors and the largest shareholder of the company. He has been credited with revitalizing Marimekko and expanding its international presence, especially in Asia and North America.
Ihamuotila has a diverse background in business, academia, and media. He holds a PhD in economics from the Helsinki School of Economics, where he also taught as a professor. He was the CEO of Sampo Bank and Mandatum Bank, and the vice chairman of Sampo Group. He has also been a columnist for Helsingin Sanomat, the largest newspaper in Finland, and a host of a TV show on MTV3.
Ihamuotila is passionate about design, art, and culture. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Design Museum in Helsinki, and a patron of the Finnish National Gallery. He has also been involved in various cultural initiatives, such as Helsinki Design Week, World Design Capital Helsinki 2012, and Helsinki Biennial 2021.
Bruce Oreck: The Former US Ambassador
Bruce Oreck is a former US ambassador to Finland, who served from 2009 to 2015. He is also a lawyer, entrepreneur, environmentalist, and fitness enthusiast. He is known for his unconventional and charismatic style of diplomacy, which involved social media, public speaking, and even bodybuilding.
Oreck was born in New York City to a wealthy family that founded the Oreck Corporation, a manufacturer of vacuum cleaners and air purifiers. He graduated from Stanford University and Columbia Law School, and practiced law in Colorado and Louisiana. He also founded several businesses, including a real estate development company and a renewable energy company.
Oreck is an avid supporter of design, innovation, and sustainability. He is the executive director of the Oreck Foundation, which promotes green building and clean energy projects. He is also the chairman of the board of directors of Aalto University Foundation, which oversees one of the leading universities in Finland. He has been a vocal advocate for Marimekko, and even wore its products during his official duties as an ambassador.
The Friendship Between Ihamuotila and Oreck
Ihamuotila and Oreck met in 2009, when Oreck arrived in Finland as the new US ambassador. They quickly became friends, as they shared many interests and values. They also had a common vision for strengthening the ties between Finland and the US, especially in the fields of design, innovation, and sustainability.
They collaborated on several projects and events that showcased Finnish design and culture to the American audience. For example, they organized a fashion show featuring Marimekko designs at the US embassy in Helsinki. They also participated in a series of talks called "Voimala", where they discussed topics such as leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship. They even recorded a podcast together called "Mika Ihamuotila Ja Bruce Oreck 25", where they shared their insights and experiences.
The friendship between Ihamuotila and Oreck has continued even after Oreck's term as an ambassador ended in 2015. Oreck decided to stay in Finland, where he works as a teacher at Aalto University and pursues his personal projects. Ihamuotila remains the president and CEO of Marimekko, where he leads the company's growth and development. They still keep in touch and support each other's endeavors.
Conclusion
Mika Ihamuotila and Bruce Oreck are two remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to Finland's economy, society, and culture. They are also good friends who have a lot in common. They are both passionate about design and sustainability, and have a close relationship with Marimekko. They are examples of how friendship can transcend borders and cultures, and how design can bring people together.
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