Ingvar Kamprad

Ingvar Feodor Kamprad (1926–2018) founded IKEA at the age of 17 in 1943, initially selling small household items like pens and wallets. His early business acumen was evident in his ability to source goods at low prices and sell them for a profit. The pivotal shift began in 1948 when he introduced furniture into his catalog. Facing competitive pressure and supplier boycotts in the 1950s, Kamprad innovated rapidly. In 1953, he opened a showroom in Älmhult, Sweden, allowing customers to see products before buying. Crucially, in 1956, IKEA employees discovered that removing a table's legs not only prevented damage during transit but also reduced packaging and shipping costs, giving birth to the flat-pack concept. This innovation, coupled with self-assembly by customers, became the bedrock of IKEA's low-cost model. Kamprad's vision extended beyond products to the entire value chain, from design, manufacturing, and logistics to in-store experience. He established strict sourcing principles, often in low-cost countries, and maintained long-term supplier relationships. The first IKEA store outside Sweden opened in Norway in 1963, followed by Denmark (1969) and Switzerland (1973), signaling international expansion. Kamprad's management style was characterized by extreme frugality, delegating responsibility, and a strong cultural emphasis on simplicity. He formalized his guiding principles in 'The Testament of a Furniture Dealer,' published in 1976, which outlined IKEA's core values. He established the Inter IKEA Group and Ingka Group (formerly IKEA Group) structure, with complex ownership via Stichting INGKA Foundation in the Netherlands, to ensure long-term independence and reinvestment. Despite legal maneuvers for tax efficiency, Kamprad consistently positioned IKEA as a force for good, providing 'a better everyday life for the many people.' He stepped down from management roles in the 1980s but remained a senior advisor until his death.