Esko Uutela – global tissue expert, beloved father, and cherished friend – has passed away.
Esko passed away last week after a brief illness. He leaves behind his sons Kaarlo and Konsta and the rest of his family, and many friends, colleagues, and loved ones across the world.
Having studied forestry at the University of Helsinki, Esko went on to have an esteemed career as a lead tissue economist and distinguished consultant to Pöyry and Fastmarkets RISI, as well as a speaker at Fastmarkets and Tissue World’s global conferences.
As a trusted authority in market analysis and forecasting, his reports, articles, and talks reflected a deep love and passion for our industry.
Matt Graves, Fastmarkets Editorial Director, said: “I’m very sad to learn of Esko’s passing. Having worked with him for many years, I have never met anyone with a deeper understanding of the global tissue industry.
“He had an incredible and almost uncanny ability to dive deep into the subtle complexities which made his work so valued. My heart goes out to his sons Kaarlo and Konsta and the rest of his family.”
A passionate world traveller and fluent in many languages, Esko’s “wit, generosity, and fearless spirit will be deeply missed but never forgotten,” Graves added.
Agnes Gehot, Tissue World Conference Producer, said: “In loving memory of someone who shaped our industry for over 30 years, sharing his tremendous knowledge, support and advice.
“I’ll never forget his generosity, kindness, and the way he always made time to answer all my questions! He’ll be deeply missed.”
Hugh O’Brian, Founder of TissueStory.com and Tissue World, said: “Esko was totally unique, being that very rare combination of an absolute worldwide expert and super nice guy at the same time.
“We first met in 1989 and became friends immediately. He knew more about the tissue business than anyone in the world but, in addition, he was very knowledgeable about so many other topics.
“A true gentleman who was always fun to meet. You will be sorely missed my dear friend!”
Bodo Kottwitz, BKay Tissue Advice, said: “Similar to the few headliners of our industry, Esko focussed on less popular niches like recovered paper and tissue long before the segments’ dynamic growth, establishing a decision basis for investments, and laying a fundament for the increasing importance of the industry.
“He was straight and passionate in what he did – whether it was a single market data of a printed napkin, or a final drink with colleagues and friends. He will be dearly missed in both roles.”
