Joel Barr

Joel Barr (1916-1998) was an American engineer and businessman, best known as one of the co-founders of the Swedish technology company Inter-IKEA Systems B.V., which owns the IKEA concept and trademark. Before his involvement with IKEA, Barr was an electrical engineer and is believed to have been involved in Soviet espionage activities during his time in the United States.

Barr, along with Alfred Sarant (also known as Philip Staros), was part of a group of engineers with communist sympathies working in the United States in the 1940s. This group, based in New York City, is often referred to as the "Perlo Group" or the "Sarant Group." They are alleged to have provided classified information to the Soviet Union.

After being questioned by the FBI, Barr and Sarant fled the United States in the early 1950s. They eventually found refuge in Sweden, where they were employed by IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad. Barr’s technical expertise proved valuable to IKEA, particularly in developing automated manufacturing processes.

While their alleged espionage activities remain a subject of historical debate and scrutiny, Barr and Sarant played a significant role in the early development and international expansion of IKEA. Their contribution to IKEA's operational efficiency and logistical infrastructure is widely acknowledged.