Seppo Aho, the founder of Sava-Group and Santa’s Hotels, passed away on 8 August 2026 at the age of 84.
Seppo’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1973 when he and his brother Veikko founded Savatie, an asphalt contracting company. Over the years, the business grew into the diversified Sava-Group corporation. Later, the Santa’s Hotels chain was established as part of Sava-Group.
Throughout his life, Seppo was involved in numerous ventures and received several distinguished recognitions, including the National Entrepreneur Award, the Master Builder of the Year Award, and the honorary title of Construction Counsellor. He also contributed to international charitable work through a Finnish Church Aid project that built a school in the village of Dountep in Cambodia.
Seppo’s remarkable career can be described through many roles: entrepreneur in the asphalt industry, one of Lapland’s most significant builders, innovative business leader, machine builder, inventor, and hotel entrepreneur. His life story was documented in the book Seppo Ahon tie (The Road of Seppo Aho), in which author Mirjam Kälkäjä describes him as a man who courageously built his life around his passions.
We remember Seppo as a charismatic and inspiring person who deeply valued the people he worked with, from employees to partners. The warmth of a family business, a strong sense of community, and long-term commitment were principles that guided the leadership and development of the company. Seppo’s kindness, generosity, and hospitality remain a legacy that we are committed to preserving as part of our culture and way of operating.
With Seppo’s passing, the company and our work community have lost a great and courageous member.
In memory of Seppo Aho,
The staff of Santa’s Hotels