While millions of television viewers recognize Sarah Rafferty as the sharp, witty executive assistant Donna Paulsen from the hit legal drama Suits, her off-screen life tells a much quieter story. Married since 2001, Sarah and her husband, American businessman and financial analyst Santtu Seppälä, have built a stable family far removed from the constant turbulence of Hollywood gossip.
Instead of chasing the spotlight, Seppälä has carved out a distinct path in corporate finance and investment management. Their partnership spans over two decades, balancing demanding creative and corporate careers while raising two daughters, Oona Gray and Iris Friday.
Roots, Education, and Early Professional Background
Born Aleksanteri Olli-Pekka Seppälä on December 6, 1974, he grew up in a multicultural household with Finnish roots. His father, Antti V. Seppälä, worked as an independent pharmaceutical consultant in Illinois. Because of his family's international background, Seppälä spent parts of his early life living across several European countries before returning to the United States for higher education.
He attended Yale University, where he studied Ethics, Politics, and Economics, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1993. During his undergraduate years, he was also an active athlete, playing on the varsity tennis team.
Following his graduation, Seppälä entered the financial sector, taking an initial role as an analyst at Salomon Brothers. After gaining foundational experience in investment banking, he completed a period of service with the Finnish Defence Force before pursuing an MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1998.
Corporate Career and Financial Leadership
With an MBA from Wharton and rigorous training on Wall Street, Seppälä built a steady career in asset management and corporate strategy. Over the decades, he has held key positions at prominent financial institutions:
- Lazard Frères & Co.: Focused on asset management and analytical advisory roles early in his post-MBA career.
- Cantillon Capital Management: Served as a portfolio manager, managing institutional portfolios and equity investments.
- Kiitos Capital Management: Stepped into leadership as a managing member and chief investment officer, guiding investment strategies.
- Staxxon LLC: Contributed as chief strategy officer, working on corporate growth and business development initiatives.
While his wife works in the public eye, Seppälä operates within the private sector. His corporate trajectory reflects a traditional, highly analytical approach to wealth management and executive leadership.
Meeting at Yale and a Decades-Long Marriage
The couple's relationship dates back to their Ivy League days. Sarah Rafferty and Santtu Seppälä met while studying at Yale University in the mid-1990s. They maintained a long-term relationship, dating for approximately seven years before deciding to marry.
On June 23, 2001, they tied the knot in a traditional ceremony at St. Mary Church in Greenwich, Connecticut. Friends and family attended the celebration, marking the beginning of a marriage that has now lasted more than twenty years.
The couple later welcomed two daughters: Oona Gray, born in October 2007, and Iris Friday, born in January 2012. While Sarah frequently shares glimpses of her creative projects, the family has prioritized keeping their children's lives private, splitting time between major urban centers like Los Angeles and Toronto during peak filming schedules.
Public Appearances and Shared Values
Though Seppälä avoids the Hollywood social circuit, he occasionally steps onto the red carpet to support his wife at major industry events. Notably, the couple joined high-profile guests in May 2018 for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle—an invitation stemming from Sarah Rafferty's close, long-standing friendship with Markle from their shared early acting days.
Beyond career milestones, the couple shares a commitment to philanthropic causes, supporting health initiatives and non-profit organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association. Their longevity in a notoriously volatile industry stems from mutual support, clear boundaries between public persona and private family life, and shared academic roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Sarah Rafferty and Santtu Seppälä get married?
They married on June 23, 2001, at St. Mary Church in Greenwich, Connecticut, after dating for about seven years following their meeting at Yale University.
What is Santtu Seppälä's profession?
He is an American businessman, financial analyst, and corporate executive. He has worked as a portfolio manager and chief investment officer for investment firms like Kiitos Capital Management.
Where did Santtu Seppälä go to college?
He earned his undergraduate degree in Ethics, Politics, and Economics from Yale University in 1993, followed by an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1998.
Do they have children?
Yes, they share two daughters, Oona Gray (born 2007) and Iris Friday (born 2012).
