Ikea founder: sons as CEO 'not an option'

Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of Swedish furniture chain Ikea, has revealed it is unlikely that one of his sons will take over as CEO when the incumbent Anders Dahlvig leaves.

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Ingvar Kamprad confirmed in an interview with local newspaper Smålandsposten that there will be soon be changes made at the helm of the multinational furniture firm that has made him into one of the world's richest men. Kamprad confirmed that current CEO Anders Dahlvig, will soon bring his nine-year term to an end.

"He has said that the job is very tough and that he can maybe carry on one or two more years," Ingvar Kamprad said to Smålandposten.

Kamprad also expressed a belief that none of his sons Peter, Jonas nor Mathias was likely to succeed Dahlvig.

"As I see it, it is not an option. I do not think that any of them will do it. It would only happen if one of them had a radical re-think," said Kamprad to Smålandsposten.

At a family meeting in March all three of Ingvar Kamprad's sons ruled out taking over.

The issue of succession at the head of Ikea has been an openly debated question in the Swedish press in recent years. Ingvar Kamprad has seldom shed any light on the issue.

The Ikea founder made clear in the interview that he understands his sons' position and told of the sacrifices that he felt he made in the role as Ikea CEO, a post he held until 1986.

"I have said to the youngsters that if I was in their shoes I wouldn't take a CEO job. I know that it is a very tough job," said Kamprad to Smålandsposten.

In recent weeks the media rumour mill has turned to former Tele 2 CEO Lars-Johan Jarnheimer, who sits on the board of Ikea holding company Inka.

Jarnheimer is reported by Dagens Industri to be a good friend of the Ikea founder and a former apprentice at the furniture giant to boot.