Overview

Character is Destiny provides a rare and unique glimpse into Pehr Gyllenhammar’s professional triumphs and failures; and his successful efforts to shape industry in Europe, most notably with his creation of the European Roundtable of Industrialists which revitalized Europe’s infrastructure through projects like the France-England Channel Tunnel. Character is Destiny also provides a window into his friendships with some of the great luminaries of the world. It is equal parts history, politics, and Gyllenhammar’s own personal philosophy—the foundational elements of his life have always been humanism, a fierce commitment to integrity and truth, and a deeply-rooted respect and admiration for the working class. The author of six previous books published in Sweden, for the first time Gyllenhammar has chosen to create an original English-language book in concert with an American editor/writer. The resulting work is directly relevant to the English-language reader and Character is Destiny offers his own wisdom as to what people must do if they hope to see a future in which global business and democracy will survive.

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9781642799743

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Reviews

A fascinating window into the life and work of Swedish businessman and European Round Table of Industrialists founder Pehr Gyllenhammar. Whether recounting his childhood during World War II, his years as Volvo's CEO, or his little known work as a Track Two diplomat in the Middle East, Gyllenhammar is always engaging and intelligent, offering an unflinching assessment of international business, US and European politics, and democracies under siege. Like its author, with whom I share a decades-old friendship, Character is Destiny is by turns insightful, amusing, and refreshingly direct. -Henry Kissinger Business leader, diplomat, humanist and global citizen-Pehr Gyllenhammar has led a life of fruitful endeavor marked by the highest standards of integrity. This distinguished Swede has cleverly decided to write his impressive autobiography in English. Character is Destiny should be read by all aspiring leaders who want to build bridges, not walls. -David Rockefeller, Jr. Pehr Gyllenhammar is one of the most respected and thoughtful leaders of his generation. His long awaited second book promises to be an important contribution to thinking about how to make the world a safer and better place through the lens of business and diplomacy. -Glenn D. Lowry A sentient being of remarkable purpose in the pursuit of human qualities. Pehr's passion, curiosity, humility and absolute integrity have inspired countless individuals. The range of his perception belies his experience. I look inward after our dialogues. Pehr's legacy deserves this personal narrative for generations to ponder. -David Thomson

Author Information

Pehr Gyllenhammar is a Swedish industrialist who served as CEO and Chairman of Volvo for 24 years and founded the European Round Table of Industrialists. He has worked with/served on the board of such institutions as Lazard, Reuters, Rothschild, Chase Manhattan Bank, the Aspen Institute, The Rockefeller University, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. His awards and decorations include Sweden’s H.M. The King’s Medal, France’s Commander of the National Order of Merit and Commander of the Legion of Honor, and England’s Honorary Master of the Bench of the Inner Temple. Pehr is the author of six previous books. He currently lives in Canada with his wife, Lee Croll, and their daughter.

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