Tell-all book criticizes Ikea

Former executive takes retailer to task

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 12, 2009

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — A former longtime Ikea executive and personal assistant to founder Ingvar Kamprad has written a tell-all book that paints an unflattering image of the Swedish home furnishings giant and the Kamprad family.

According to a report on Businessweek.com, in "Sanningen om Ikea" ("The Truth about Ikea,") author Jonan Stenebo claims that many of the stories about Kamprad - including the one about a 30-year-old Ikea sofa still in his living room - are simply made up and then spread by the media; that Ikea is not eco-friendly; and that Kamprad's son Peter, being groomed as heir apparent, is an "incompetent racist."

Stenebo also calls Ikea "one of the most secretive companies in the world," and says a network of informants keeps the 83-year-old Kamprad updated on gossip and the atmosphere in the company.

Stenebo left Ikea early this year after 20 years. Ikea refused to comment, according to the report.

Click here to read the Businessweek.com story.