International Federation of Boat Show Organisers

• Jan 23, 2025, 7:35:00 PM

IFBSO Mourns the Loss of Jouko Huju, Managing Director

With profound sadness, the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO)
announces the passing of its Managing Director, Dr. Jouko Huju on Tuesday 21 January 2025.

Jouko had an extensive and impactful career in the leisure marine industry, including his leadership roles at Finnboat
and ICOMIA, before rejoining IFBSO. Initially serving as a consultant, he then took on the role of transition manager
and ultimately became Managing Director. Under the guidance of the Executive Committee, Jouko played a pivotal
role in the reorganisation of IFBSO, a 60-year-old organisation. His efforts led to a new operational structure, the
establishment of a new legal entity, an agile member information system, and a dynamic framework of working groups and
work packages.

Jouko was deeply passionate about boat shows and their vital role in attracting new boaters and supporting the global
leisure marine industry. His vast network of friends and colleagues worldwide enabled him to successfully recruit new
IFBSO members and engage industry heavyweights to lead the newly formed working groups. He was wholeheartedly
dedicated to delivering value to members and advancing the association.
By November last year, at METSTRADE 2024, IFBSO 2.0 was fully operational under Jouko’s leadership. He organised a
well-attended group meeting and represented IFBSO with pride in numerous official engagements during the show.
The Executive Committee is deeply shocked by the rapid progression of his illness, a battle he sadly could not
overcome.

The loss of Jouko is a devastating blow to IFBSO. He was a dear friend, a kind-hearted visionary, and someone whose
presence left a lasting impact in a remarkably short yet intense period. Our thoughts and condolences are with his
family, friends, and loved ones. He will be profoundly missed.

Amsterdam 23 January 2025,
IFBSO ExCom
Niels Klarenbeek, President
Andrew Scott, Treasurer
Anne Dunbar
Jennifer Thompson
Daniel Barkowski
Jerry Flaxman
Jussi Kivikari

IFBSO has made its postal address available as a correspondence address for messages to the family:
IFBSO | Attn. Huju Family | PO Box 77777 | 1070 MS AMSTERDAM | The Netherlands