Energoinvest began as a modest studio before expanding into one of the largest industrial conglomerates in Southeast Europe under the leadership of its founder, Emerik Blum. His professional trajectory intersected with critical developments in Yugoslav electrical engineering and public administration throughout the twentieth century, bridging the divide between corporate management and municipal governance in Sarajevo.
Education and Early Career
Born in 1911 in Sarajevo, Emerik Blum pursued technical training abroad. He graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon returning to Sarajevo, he navigated various technical and administrative roles, including positions as director of Elektrobih and Elektrocentar, as well as serving as a general engineer for the Union electric power industry.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Industrial Leadership
In 1951, Blum founded Energoinvest, serving as its first director. His career extended into federal oversight, where he held the position of assistant Minister of electric power and industry for the SFR Yugoslavia and served as president of the Committee for electric power and industry. He also functioned as a director within the Directorate for electric power and industry of the Yugoslav Federal Executive Council.
Public Office and Civic Contribution
Blum transitioned into high-level municipal politics, serving as the 26th mayor of Sarajevo from 1981 to 1983. Beyond his mayoral duties, he played an active role in the preparations for the 1984 Winter Olympics as a member of the Organizing Committee. His contributions to the city and industry were recognized with the Sixth of April Sarajevo Award in 1966 and the Silver Olympic Order in 1984.
Final Years and Recognition
Blum died on 24 June 1984, in Fojnica. His industrial legacy was formally acknowledged with the Order of the Hero of Socialist Labour in 1984, awarded posthumously. He previously received the Légion d'honneur in 1974. His life and work were documented in the 2024 film Blum: Masters of Their Own Destiny, and he is commemorated by a street in Sarajevo.
Fast facts
- Born: 1911, Sarajevo
- Died: 24 June 1984, Fojnica
- Education: Czech Technical University in Prague
- Key Role: Founder and first director of Energoinvest
- Political Office: Mayor of Sarajevo (1981-1983)
- Notable Honour: Silver Olympic Order (1984)
- Language: Croatian
Questions readers ask
What was Emerik Blum's professional background?
He was an electrical engineer and a business executive who founded the conglomerate Energoinvest and served in several high-level ministerial and municipal roles.
What public office did he hold in Sarajevo?
He served as the 26th mayor of Sarajevo from 1981 to 1983.
Achievements
- Educated at Czech Technical University in Prague
.jpg)
