Roger Gifford, the Head of UK of SEB Bank in London was awarded with an eminent Finnish decoration, the sign of Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland. Gifford was awarded for his long-term commitments for the benefit of Finnish culture and economy. The presentation of the decoration took place in the Residence of the Finnish Ambassador HE Pekka Huhtaniemi on the 17th November, in the presence of Roger’s family members and some closest friends from the City of London and Finland. In his speech Ambassador Huhtaniemi highlighted Roger's long and successful career in the City of London and his involvement with Finland.

In his reply Gifford emphasized that Finland and the Finnish society has had an important role in his life and career. "Finland and a close involvement with Finnish Society has been key part of my career - my life actually - for the last 30 years in fact. It is a particular honour and pleasure to have Jorma Ollila here - you were one of the very first people I met in Helsinki 1984. You have been a loyal friend all that time as well as providing many wonderful Finnish experiences".

Many of Gifford’s interests are related to music and he has contributed to many Finnish music projects organized in London. Gifford also talked about music and thanked his good friend Tapani Perttu who introduced him to Finnish music such as works of Toivo Kuula, Oskar Merikanto and Olavi Virta as well as many other features of Finnish Society.

To finish the occasion Roger demonstrated his love for Finland by singing a few beautiful Finnish songs like Toivo Kuula's "Aamulaulu" (lyrics by Eino Leino) accompanied by his close friend Tapani Perttu.

 Sir John Stuttard, HE Pekka Huhtaniemi, Roger Gifford and Jorma Ollila