Obituary: Mikael von Otter
Our friend and former colleague Mikael von Otter, Edsbro, has died after a long illness at the age of 72. His closest relatives are his wife Lena and daughters Katarina and Annika with their families.
Mikael has worked in the Swedish IT industry since its inception in the 60s and was a well-known profile in the industry. After studying ADB, he joined Telia via Spadab and became CEO of Telia Data. Mikael's great interest in society led him to various IT-promoting organizations and eventually to the industry association for the IT sector in Sweden, IT&Telekomföretagen.
Mikael was passionate about digitization issues and worked tirelessly to promote the positive effects of new technology on society. He saw everyone's knowledge of IT as an important democratic issue and has over the years discussed and debated the digitization of society with both politicians and professionals.
His sharp and humorous pen has written numerous opinion pieces, columns, blog posts and reports - both in prose and verse. With great integrity and an ethical compass, he was able to make a credible and convincing case to both ministers and business leaders about what needed to be done.
Mikael was knowledgeable, humble, and the youngest 70-year-old we have known. And he had a real twinkle in his eye. He was the most senior employee at IT&Telekomföretagen and always had new ideas and ideas. Who can forget Mikael dressed as Santa Claus at our mingle in Almedalen, where he gave slightly ironic "Christmas presents" to the industry's players - all with self-authored rhymes. Of course he did.
Mikael had an extraordinary commitment - even outside work. He had many interests, singing and music as well as a great love of nature, not least the mountains.
We miss a much appreciated friend and colleague, and are endlessly grateful for all the fun, inspiring and educational days we worked together.
Anne-Marie Fransson (former Association Director), Ellinor Bjennbacke (former Head of Industrial Policy) and friends at IT&Telecom