Finnish industrial counsellor and tech entrepreneur Veikko Lesonen dies at 68

Veikko Lesonen, a prominent Finnish entrepreneur and industrial counsellor known for founding the automation company JOT Automation, has died at the age of 68, Yle reports.

Lesonen passed away on Monday in Oulu, according to his daughter, who confirmed the news to Yle. In an Instagram post, she stated that his “earthly journey has ended” and that he had “passed peacefully, surrounded by family.” The message also referenced his Vienan Karelian roots, which she described as important to him.

Lesonen had been battling Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Keminmaa in 1957, Lesonen gained recognition as the founder of JOT Automation, a manufacturer of production automation systems. After selling the company—which had grown into an international corporation—he became one of Finland’s highest-earning individuals. Later, he was known as the majority owner of the environmental technology firm Proventia Group and as a major investor.