The business operations of KONE Corporation are currently overseen by Antti Herlin, a Finnish entrepreneur who maintains a net worth estimated at $4.1 billion. As of January 2025, Forbes identifies him as the wealthiest individual in Finland, marking his sustained influence over the industrial sector and the broader national economy.
Background and Education
Born in 1956 in Kirkkonummi, Finland, Herlin pursued his formal education at the Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu before moving abroad to attend Iowa State University. As the son of Pekka Herlin, a former chairman of KONE, he entered the family legacy, eventually ascending to leadership roles within the multinational organization.
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Herlin served as the président-directeur général of KONE between 1996 and 2006. Beyond his core duties at the elevator company, he has functioned as the chairman of the Confederation of Finnish Industries and assumed the chairmanship of Sanoma Oyj in 2013. His investment portfolio includes significant interests in construction firms such as YIT and Lemminkäinen, initiated by the Herlin family in 2005. Early in the 21st century, he faced legal scrutiny regarding his stock investments in KONE and Partek; official investigations concluded in 2005 determined he was innocent of using inside information.
Agricultural Interests and Awards
Outside of corporate boardrooms, Herlin manages a farm in his birthplace of Kirkkonummi, where he specializes in raising Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cattle. His agricultural operations notably received state support totaling €275,792 in 2012. Over his career, the Finnish government has recognized his contributions through several honors, including the Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland in 2007, the Order of the White Star, 3rd Class in 2007, the Medal for Military Merits in 2009, and the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2014.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Kirkkonummi, Finland
- Current Position: Chairperson of the executive board, KONE Corporation
- Education: Iowa State University, Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu
- Net Worth: $4.1 billion (January 2025)
- Agricultural Focus: Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cattle
- Notable Recognition: Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland (2014)
Questions readers ask
What is Antti Herlin's primary professional association?
He is the chairman of the Finnish KONE Corporation and previously served as the company's président-directeur général.
Was Herlin found guilty of insider trading in 2005?
No, an investigation into his stock investments in KONE and Partek found him innocent of using inside information.
Achievements
- Order of the White Star, 3rd Class — 2007
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland — 2014
- Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland — 2007
- Medal for Military Merits — 2009
- Educated at Iowa State University and Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu
