Cecilia Stegö Chilò, former member of our board at the Centre for Business History, has passed away at the age of 65.

Many have already described Cecilia Stegö Chilò's great social commitment and many business assignments. We can only join in with that chorus – as she was also deeply engaged in our mission here at the Centre for Business History, to preserve and tell the history of business, both before, during and after the time she spent on our board.

We first made contact in connection when during the celebration of 150 years of Freedom of Trade in Sweden in 2014 where, in her energetic and knowledgeable manner, she helped shape and later lead the large anniversary seminar at IVA.

She really appreciated putting the 1860s politician Johan August Gripenstedt on stage, portrayed by actor Lennart R Svensson, as a somewhat unusual approach to bring history to life. She herself was well versed in economic freedom, having previously written the book about that transformation, System Shift. A 19th Century History (1993).

Cecilia then served on our board for five years, from 2015 to 2020, and with her at the meetings, you had a sharp and at the same time warm person who always offered surprising perspectives. For us, her board engagement at SAAB and Spendrups was an advantage as she never hesitated to help with contacts with the right people. I myself received many anecdotes about German politics and not least her acquaintance with Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

We deeply mourn Cecilia's passing and think of her family, who meant everything to her.

Alexander Husebye, CEO