THE ITALIAN MARINE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MOURNS THE PASSING OF JOUKO HUJU

The international yachting community honours the tragic passing of Jouko Huju, who today passed away following a brief illness. Jouko Huju will be remembered as an outstanding professional and an international reference point for the yachting industry, having dedicated over 20 years of his life to FINNBOAT (the Finnish Marine Industries Federation), in which he held various positions, including CEO and Chairman. His passion for industry development and international relations has seen him involved as President of ICOMIA (the International Council of Marine Industry Associations) for two non-consecutive terms. Jouko Huju also played an active role in the creation of the European Boating Industry (EBI) federation and for the past year had been Executive Director of IFBSO (the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers).

Piero Formenti, Vice President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, alongside Andrea Razeto, President of the Association's Genoa Boat Show subsidiary I Saloni Nautici, fondly remember their colleague and friend with whom they shared a long history of institutional activity on an international level: "Working with Jouko Huju both in the ICOMIA Executive Committee and in the EBI Council was a privilege and a truly unique experience. His strategic vision, dedication to the industry and human qualities will live on as an indelible example for us all".

The thoughts and prayers of the President, General Council and Members of the Italian Marine Industry Association go out to the family in this time of sorrow and pay tribute to the extraordinary life and career of Jouko Huju, whose work greatly contributed to the growth and development of the yachting industry worldwide.