Gunnar Ericsson

Gunnar Ericsson studied at the Stockholm School of Economics and the Royal National Defense College but then eschewed a military career to enter the family business. Under his direction that business, FACIT AB became a leading Swedish company, and Ericsson served as President (1957-70) and Chairman (1970-81). He was also a member of Parliament from 1968-72 and served as President of the International Council of Swedish Industry from 1981-84. FACIT later had financial difficulties and was taken over by Electrolux, and Ericsson was vilified in the press, causing him to resign from Parliament because he felt his no longer had the voice to speak authoritatively on business and economic matters.

In sports Ericsson was chairman of the Swedish Football Association (1970-74) and Vice-President of the Swedish Olympic Committee. He became an IOC Member in October 1965, resigning from the IOC in July 1996, after which he was made an Honorary Member. He served the IOC on numerous commissions including the Finance Commission (1967-72), Aid Commission IOC-NOC (1968-71), Eligibility (1980-88), Study and Education Commission for the Preparation of the Olympic Games (1984-88), Commission for the Olympic Movement (1989-92), Sport and Environment Commission (1996), and the Enquiry Commission for the Games of the XXVII Olympiad in 2000 (1993). Ericsson was also a member of the Executive Board from 1988-92, and served as Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the 1992 Olympic Games.