SMALAND, SWEDEN -- Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA and Ikano,  passed away, at his home in Småland, Sweden, on January 27. Surrounded by his loved ones, he died at the age of 91, following a short illness.

Ingvar Kamprad was born in 1926 in Småland in southern Sweden. At the early age of 17 he founded IKEA - the business that became his lifelong commitment. Ingvar’s driving force was the vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people.

“We are deeply saddened by Ingvar’s passing. We will remember his dedication and commitment to always side with the many people. To never give up, always try to become better and lead by example”, says Torbjörn Lööf CEO and President of Inter IKEA Group.

Ingvar Kamprad was a great entrepreneur of the typical southern Swedish kind - hard working and stubborn, with a lot of warmth and a playful twinkle in his eye. He worked until the very end of his life, staying true to his own motto that most things remain to be done.Since 1988 Ingvar Kamprad did not have an operational role within IKEA but he continued to contribute to the business in the role of senior advisor, sharing his knowledge and energy with the IKEA co-workers.