Antti Herlin: Steering Finland’s Industrial and Environmental Future

Antti Herlin, born on November 14, 1956, in Kirkkonummi, Finland, is a prominent Finnish businessman recognized for his influential role in the global elevator and escalator industry. As of January 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at $4.1 billion, positioning him as the wealthiest individual in Finland and ranking him 819th globally.

Herlin’s business acumen is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy. His great-grandfather invested in KONE Corporation in 1924, laying the foundation for a family enterprise that would become a global leader in vertical transportation solutions. Antti Herlin joined KONE in the 1980s and ascended to the role of CEO from 1996 to 2006. Under his leadership, KONE expanded its global footprint, with its products now featured in landmarks such as Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and the Makkah Clock Royal Tower Hotel in Saudi Arabia. Since 2003, he has served as the company’s chairman, continuing to influence its strategic direction.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Herlin is an advocate for education and environmental sustainability in Finland. In a 2023 interview, he expressed concerns about the nation’s educational policies and the competencies of its workforce. He emphasized that without top-tier education, companies cannot maintain a competitive edge, stating, “If our universities do not have the knowledge and know-how at the top of the world, gradually that incompetence will start to freeze the know-how of companies as well.”

Herlin also champions proactive climate action. He believes that Finland’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035 is crucial for attracting climate-friendly industries. He warned that delaying this goal could undermine the country’s credibility and deter potential investments, highlighting the importance of being at the forefront of the green transition.

In addition to his corporate and advocacy roles, Herlin is actively involved in philanthropy. The Tiina and Antti Herlin Foundation, established in 2014, focuses on promoting social welfare, culture, the environment, and science. The foundation emphasizes openness, cooperation, and dialogue, and has supported various environmental projects aimed at global emission reductions in the steel industry.

Herlin’s influence extends to media as well. He holds shares in Sanoma Oyj, Finland’s largest media company, and has served as its chairman since 2013. This position allows him to impact the nation’s media landscape significantly.

Despite his business commitments, Herlin maintains a connection to his roots. He owns a farm in Kirkkonummi, where he raises Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cattle, reflecting his appreciation for agriculture and rural life.

Antti Herlin’s multifaceted contributions to Finland’s industrial growth, educational advancement, environmental sustainability, and media underscore his role as a pivotal figure shaping the nation’s future.