Ilpo Martikainen passes away
Published: WORLD
WORLD: Genelec founder Ilpo Martikainen has passed away following a long-term illness. Dr Martikainen was a hugely respected figure in the industry and widely regarded as a pioneer in active audio monitoring since establishing Genelec in 1978. As an engineer, Dr Martikainen leaves a legacy of influential products that built the company’s reputation.
In recent years his focus had been on involving the next generation. His children Juho Martikainen, Mikko Martikainen and Maria Martikainen have grown up as part of the Genelec family. They have been closely involved in developing the company as members of the Genelec Board since 2001. According to a company statement, the children will continue in ownership of Genelec together with the other board members Topi Partanen and Ritva Leinonen who have made their lifework with Genelec. Ritva Leinonen continues as the chairperson of Genelec Board.
‘We warmly thank Ilpo’s family for supporting him in being an essential part of our lives and journey too. We hope the whole audio and music industry will join us in extending thoughts and prayers to his family,’ said Genelec managing director, Siamäk Naghian. ‘Even if we greatly miss Ilpo we are privileged and grateful to share in the wonderful memories, passion, humanistic values, love and evolution of the Genelec story that we have experienced with Ilpo. This keeps his memory living in our hearts and deeds. He will continue to live on, through us.’