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Pekka Mattila in Memoriam

Pekka Mattila was an uncompromising multi-talent in his field. He influenced and inspired with his intellect, professionalism, frankness, discretion, and presence. His emotional intelligence and insight were unique.

Mattila achieved a great deal in his career and in his life. He was a sought-after speaker and writer, widely respected. Pekka was a dynamo and a beacon, both as a leader and as an expert, radiating energy, endless knowledge, sophistication, and sinuous enthusiasm around him. His humour was a gift that enlivened many publications, columns and debates. As a human being, he had the ability to conjure up hope and luxury also in the darkest of moments. Nothing was mediocre with him.

Pekka had a big heart. He was generous, caring, and fair, he cherished diversity and difference. The visual arts were one of the things Pekka loved most. He explained the importance of the art collection built alongside the leadership training at Aalto EE as a source of inspiration and emotion for managers, as well as a way to process feelings when there are no words.

Pekka's passing left a huge gap in the development of management in companies, as a researcher, in the working communities at Aalto EE and Aalto University, in collaboration networks, in his circle of friends and among his closest people. He was an ambitious leader and a visionary who believed in a better world beyond his sharpest sarcasm.

Pekka's optimism was well reflected in his own words in his last interview (published in Eeva magazine on 5 March 2024): 'I've always had a childlike belief that I can survive and cope. Perhaps that's why I've also survived the challenges that have come my way. I always think that no matter what happens, the sun tends to rise every day.'

Nana Salin, a colleague, and friend of Pekka.

'Pekka Mattila in Memoriam' Named Donation

Pekka Mattila's friends wanted to honour his memory by making a significant Named Donation to the School of Business's endowment fund. The name of the donation is 'Pekka Mattila in Memoriam'. Others can also contribute to the Named Donation with the amount of their choice via the link below.

The Dean of the School of Business, Timo Korkeamäki, has decided to establish a scholarship award 'Pekka Mattila Excellence Scholarships' in memory of Pekka Mattila on 23.1.2025. The scholarships will be awarded from the School's endowment fund to particularly merited students who have been selected to attend the School of Business and who are liable to pay tuition fees. The scholarships will be awarded annually from the beginning of 2026.

'Our School's role as an internationally prominent educator was close to Pekka's heart. With these scholarships, we promote internationality, which is important not only for the School but also for our society. Through these scholarships and their recipients, Pekka's name will live on in our School's everyday life, in addition to his many achievements.'

Donations to the 'Pekka Mattila in Memoriam' Named Donation will contribute to the distribution of these scholarships. 

Make a donation to the 'Pekka Mattila in Memoriam' Named Donation

To donate, please follow this link

A warm thank you for your contribution!