Erik von Frenckell

Biographical information

RolesAdministrator
SexMale
Full nameErik•von Frenckell
Used nameErik•von Frenckell
Born18 November 1887 in Helsinki, Uusimaa (FIN)
Died13 September 1977 in Espoo, Uusimaa (FIN)
NOC Finland

Biography

Erik von Frenckell studied at Technical University in Dresden, Germany, graduating with a degree as an electrical engineer. He then worked at the Sachsenwerk Niedersedlitz (1912-14) and was chairman of AEG (Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft) (1914-45).

He supported and led many sports organizations, beginning as a 17-year-old when he was President of his School Athletic Federation. He was co-founder of the Academic Sports Club at Dresden (1910) and of the Finnish Olympic Committee (1917), President of the Finnish Football Association for more than 30 years (1918-52) and a member of the FIFA Executive Board. He was also the founder and first President of the Flying Club of Finland (1920) and the Helsinki Golf Club (1931). In 1952 was President of the Organizing Committee (OCOG) for the Helsinki Olympics, after having been on the OCOG for the abortive 1940 Helsinki Olympics. He was also Finnish Commissioner-General for the Bruxelles World Fair in 1958.

Von Frenckell was co-opted onto the IOC in August 1948 and was a member until July 1976, when he resigned, but he was declared an Honorary Member. In 1968 he was the first chairman of the IOC Legislature Commission.

Von Frenckell’s other careers were in politics and various business interests. He served Helsinki in various posts. He was Deputy Mayor of Helsinki from 1931-40, and Deputy Mayor of Monetary Transactions from 1940-55. His lesser posts included Helsinki City Council Member 1917-30, 1957-60; Swedish People’s Party Central Board Member 1918-24, 1939-54; Swedish People’s Party Member of Parliament (Council of Uusimaa constituency) from 1927-38; and Chairman of the Supervisory Council from 1930-39.

In business, Von Frenckell also served on the board of various companies, including Finnish Sugar, the Helsinki Transport Department, the Bank of Finland, Finnish Fair Corporation, Yksityisyrittäjäin Mutual Insurance Company, and Commission Bancaire, on several of which he was chairman.

Organization roles

Role Organization Tenure NOC As
President Organising Committee for the Games of the XV Olympiad FIN Erik von Frenckell
Member International Olympic Committee 1948—1976 FIN Erik von Frenckell
Honorary International Olympic Committee 1976—1977 FIN Erik von Frenckell