Johanna Ikäheimo, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Lappset Group Oy and Honorary Consul for Sweden, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star with the grade of Commander for her long-standing achievements in advancing relations and cooperation between Finland and Sweden.
The Commander badge was awarded to Johanna at an event held at the Embassy of Sweden in Helsinki on Thursday 5 March 2020. The award was awarded by Swedish Ambassador
Anders Ahnlid.
Johanna Ikäheimo has held the post of Honorary Consul for Sweden for 18 years, since 2002. The task of honorary consul is to provide assistance in a variety of administrative matters for Swedish citizens and, for instance, Finns who live or have lived in Sweden. In addition, promoting relations and cooperation between the two nations and the status of the Swedish language also belong to the duties of the honorary consul. In her position of trust, Johanna Ikäheimo promotes cooperation between Finland and Sweden on almost a daily basis, as one of Lappset’s oldest subsidiaries is located in the Enköping Municipality of Sweden.
His Royal Highness
Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden also awarded the Commander Grade of the Royal Order of the Polar Star to Finnish citizens
Peter Holm and
Esa Vilmusenaho. Peter Holm is Honorary Consul for Sweden in Kokkola and Esa Vilmusenaho is Honorary Consul for Sweden in Jyväskylä.
The Royal Order of the Polar Star is one of the oldest orders of chivalry of the Swedish Royal Court. It was established in 1748 together with two other orders of chivalry. The Commander Badge received by Johanna Ikäheimo was established in 1772. The sovereign of the Royal Order of the Polar Star is His Royal Highness Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
The Royal Order of the Polar Star award is awarded to foreigners who have personally devoted efforts for the benefit of Sweden or Swedish matters.
Last year, Johanna Ikäheimo was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland for the work she has done for advancing business.
Further information available from:
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Irma Kuukasjärvi, Group Communications Manager, tel. +358 40 481 4543, irma.kuukasjarvi@lappset.com