Uolevi Rade

Chairman Neste.

Award Motivation

For his role in economic development and founding of the Finnish oil industry.

Award details

Uolevi Raade is the former Chairman of Neste, the Finnish oil refining company. Born in 1912, he graduated with degrees from the Helsinki University of Technology and Åbo Akademi. While studying at the Helsinki University of Technology he helped found the student flying club and during World War Two he served as a fighter pilot. In 1954 he became the Director of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and it was in this position that he devised a strategy for Finland to receive war reparation payments from the Soviet Union. The following year he became the Managing Director of Neste, with the company buying the first oil refinery over the next few years. Mr Raade worked with his friend, former President Urho Kekkonen to promote the project, rallying politicians and industries at home and abroad. In 1959 he became Chairman of the Board of Neste and until his retirement in 1979, he served as both Chairman and Managing Director of Neste. During the course of his career he was also actively involved in industrial federations and served as a member of the board for thirty seven corporations.

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