In Memoriam Ehsan Turabaz, 1959-2022 Chairman, Swedish Chamber of Commerce Ehsan Turabaz,
Words from the Vice President of the Swedish Chamber of
our beloved and
Commerce:
unique Swedish
“We are devastated and terribly sad to loose Ehsan,
Chamber of
Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, fellow
Commerce
member, and friend”, says Johan Uhlin, Managing Director
Chairman, fellow
Scania Production Zwolle B.V. and Vice Chairman of the
member, and
Swedish Chamber of Commerce. Ehsan’s unique warm
friend has passed
personality and interest in others touched everyone who
away. Ehsan
met him. He literally saw everyone he came across and
Turabaz, known
his inclusiveness made everyone feel welcome. He was
by so many for his
a role model for all of us at the Swedish Chamber of
eternally warm
Commerce Board of Directors. With his positive energy
smile, welcoming
and warm heart for Sweden as well as for the trade
presence, and
relations between Sweden and the Netherlands, he is an
signature bow ties, passed away on Sunday, 6 March 2022
inspiration for us as we continue our work, honoring these
at the age of 63, after a battle with cancer.
values in his amazing spirit. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues, and with all members and friends
Ehsan’s sincere interest in others and his genuine
who will miss him so dearly”.
embodiment of the IKEA values as well as his warm heart for Sweden made him a wonderful person, a treasured
Words from H.E. Ambassador of Sweden Mr. Johannes
colleague, and an invaluable representative of not only
Oljelund, Honorary Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of
IKEA, but also of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce
Commerce:
as our Chairman since 2016. He held many roles in his
“Ehsan has been a leader in fostering and expanding the
30 years at IKEA, his most recent being International
relationship between Sweden and the Netherlands for
Relations Leader for Core Business Franchise. In this
a long time. We, the staff of the Swedish Embassy, are
role, Ehsan used his natural diplomacy skills to connect
deeply saddened by his passing. We will remember Ehsan
with others. He could often be found shaking hands
with deep respect for his knowledge, warmth and energy.
around The Hague, forming relationships with local and
Ehsan has fulfilled the role of guide for many Swedish
foreign government institutions, business associations,
ambassadors and staff members of the Embassy. I am
civil society, and the diplomatic community. Those skills
very grateful that I had the chance to get to know Ehsan
he also generously used in his role as Chairman of the
and want to express my heartfelt condolences to Ehsan’s
Swedish Chamber of Commerce, where his amazing ability
family”.
to build genuine relationships and to connect people was invaluable, and left a fantastic positive impact on all who met with him.
6 | Swedish Chamber of Commerce Annual Review 2021
Text: Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Inter IKEA Systems
