Kekkonen began his career in the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1952.

He later served as ambassador to Athens, Rome, Malta, and Warsaw.

In the early 1980s, Kekkonen was caught drunk driving, which resulted in the Finnish Foreign Ministry calling him back from Tel Aviv.

Following the incident, Kekkonen became deeply depressed and told his wife Brita that he was going to commit suicide.

On July 11, 1985, Kekkonen was found dead in his home after committing suicide by hanging.