Early Life
Ilkka Herlin was born in Helsinki, Finland, on January 25, 1959. He comes from a prominent Finnish family deeply involved in the business world. His father, Pekka Herlin, was the former chairman of Kone, a leading elevator and escalator company. Ilkka's early life provided him with exposure to the business world from a young age.
Rise to Success
Ilkka Herlin's career is marked by significant achievements in the business world. He currently serves as the chairman and co-owner of Cargotec, a global leader in cargo handling solutions. Additionally, he is a co-owner of Kone, the elevator and escalator company, that his father once chaired. The family's involvement in Kone dates back to 1924 when Harald Herlin, Ilkka's great-grandfather, invested in the company. A pivotal moment in the family's history was in 1999 when Pekka Herlin revised his will. This led to a family dispute, which concluded in 2005 with a business split. Ilkka and his siblings received a major share in Cargotec and a minor stake in Kone.
Key Business Strategies
Herlin's business ventures primarily revolve around Cargotec and Kone. Cargotec has become a global leader in cargo handling solutions, serving various industries. Kone, on the other hand, is a prominent player in the elevator and escalator industry, with a strong presence worldwide.
Philanthropy
Ilkka Herlin is actively involved in environmental protection and sustainability efforts. He is one of the founders of the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG), a trust dedicated to the conservation of the Baltic Sea. He also supports initiatives focused on carbon capture technology and regenerative agriculture.