Famous Finnish Business People

Kim Dotcom, also known as Kimble and Kim Tim Jim Vestor, is a German-Finnish Internet entrepreneur and political activist based in New Zealand. He gained notoriety in the 1990s as a hacker and internet entrepreneur. Dotcom founded and was the CEO of Megaupload, a file-hosting service that was seized by the US Department of Justice in 2012. He faced charges including criminal copyright infringement and money laundering. Despite legal battles and extradition threats, Dotcom continued his involvement in the tech industry by launching the cloud storage service Mega and funding the Internet Party.

Jorma Jaakko Ollila is a Finnish businessman known for his leadership roles in prominent companies. He served as chairman of Royal Dutch Shell and Nokia Corporation, where he also held the position of CEO. Ollila has been a director at Otava Books and Magazines Group Ltd. and UPM-Kymmene. Additionally, he has been an advisory partner at Perella Weinberg Partners, a notable investment bank. Ollila is credited with transforming Nokia into the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer during his tenure.

Karl Fazer was a renowned Finnish chocolatier and accomplished sport shooter. Throughout his career, he gained recognition for his exceptional skills in both fields. As a chocolatier, he established the iconic Fazer brand, known for its high-quality chocolates and confectionery products. His dedication to craftsmanship and innovation elevated the brand to international success. In addition to his chocolate business, Fazer also excelled as a sport shooter, showcasing his talent and precision in competitive shooting events.

Poju Zabludowicz is a successful Finnish-British-Israeli billionaire businessman, art collector, and philanthropist. He has made a name for himself in the business world through various ventures and investments. Zabludowicz is known for his keen interest in art and has built an impressive collection over the years. Additionally, he is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various causes and initiatives. His professional life reflects a diverse range of interests and a commitment to making a positive impact in both the business and art worlds.

Hjallis Harkimo is a Finnish businessman, sportsperson, and politician known for his diverse professional background. Initially elected to the Finnish Parliament as a member of the National Coalition Party, he later founded his own political party, Movement Now, to challenge traditional party politics. Despite initially supporting the Rinne Cabinet, he has since taken a more critical stance, actively participating in opposition activities. Harkimo's career showcases his willingness to challenge the status quo and advocate for change within the political landscape.

Eduard Polón was a Finnish business leader and political patriot known for his role in launching the rubber industry in Finland. He founded and led Suomen Kumitehdas Oy, also known as the Finnish Rubber Company, serving as CEO, chairman of the board, and majority shareholder. Polón's group also introduced a modern timber and cable market in Finland, later evolving into the Nokia group. He opposed Russification policies, leading resistance efforts and serving as a representative in parliament before being deported to Russia in 1916-1917.

Sophia Jansson has had a varied professional career, working as a Spanish language teacher, creative/artistic director, chairman, and majority shareholder of Oy Moomin Characters, Ltd. She also played a significant role in overseeing the 1990 Moomin animated series together with her father. Her work in these roles has showcased her expertise in managing creative projects, overseeing business operations, and contributing to the success of the iconic Moomin brand.

Riitta Immonen was a prominent Finnish fashion artist and entrepreneur, renowned for co-founding Marimekko, a leading Finnish fashion corporation. A self-taught clothing designer, she established her first design boutique in Helsinki during World War II, which flourished despite wartime shortages. Immonen later ventured into designing unique outfits under her own Cinderella collections and continued creating clothes throughout her life. She also designed for a company named Atelierika for a period. Her work and influence were celebrated in an exhibition at the Finnish Design Museum in 2008.