Images in header: Felix Frank/Kungl. Maj:ts Orden

Two distinguished alumni of the Stockholm School of Economics were knighted last week in recognition of their outstanding contributions to society: Marie Ehrling and Gunilla Arhén. During a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, the King presented the orders to the recipients and the Queen presented the letters patent.

Marie Ehrling has held leading positions within the Swedish business sector for several decades and is currently Board Chair of the Axel Johnson Group. She is a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) and holds an honorary doctorate from SSE. Ehrling was knighted for her ”highly distinguished contributions within Swedish business and industry” and is now a Commander First Class of the Royal Order of Vasa.

Gunilla Arhén is the founder of Ruter Dam, a leadership and mentoring program launched in 1987 with the aim of increasing the number of women in top executive roles. She led the organization for 30 years, supporting countless women in advancing to senior positions across business, government, and the armed forces. Arhén was knighted for her ”distinguished contributions to women's leadership" and is now a Commander of the Royal Order of Vasa.

About the Royal Orders of Knighthood

Having been dormant for almost half a century, the Royal Orders of Knighthood were reinstated just last year. Candidates are nominated by the general public, evaluated by the Orders' Council, after which the Swedish Government makes the final recommendation to the King on who is to be knighted. Among the first new recipients last year were all members of the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA.

Photos below: Jonas Borg/Kungl. Maj:ts Orden