Leadership Changes at Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue: A New Era Begins
March 31, 2025, 5:40 pm
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Espoo
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 1934
Total raised: $150K
In the world of corporate leadership, change is as inevitable as the seasons. Metsä Board Corporation and Metsä Tissue are both experiencing significant transitions that signal a shift in direction and strategy. These changes are not just about new faces; they represent a broader vision for the future of these companies.
Metsä Board Corporation, a key player in the paperboard industry, is set to undergo a major leadership change. Long-time CEO Mika Joukio will step down on April 7, 2025. His departure marks the end of an era. Joukio has been at the helm since 2014, guiding the company through turbulent waters and significant investments. His tenure has been characterized by a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Under his leadership, Metsä Board has focused on producing lightweight, high-quality folding boxboards and food service boards, using renewable resources sourced from Northern European forests.
Joukio’s successor, Esa Kaikkonen, is no stranger to the company. With 27 years of experience at Metsä Group, Kaikkonen brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record. He has held various leadership roles, including CEO of Metsä Tissue Corporation and EVP of Metsä Wood. His deep understanding of the company’s operations and strategic vision positions him well to lead Metsä Board into its next chapter.
The transition period will see Joukio remain with the company until October 2025, providing support to Kaikkonen. This handover is crucial. It ensures continuity and stability during a time of change. Joukio’s expertise will help Kaikkonen navigate the complexities of his new role. The Board of Directors has expressed gratitude for Joukio’s contributions, highlighting his clear and inspiring leadership style.
Meanwhile, Metsä Tissue is also making waves with a new appointment. Terhi Ilvonen has been named CFO and a member of the management team. This change takes effect on April 1, 2025. Ilvonen’s journey within Metsä Tissue has been impressive. She has served as acting CFO and previously held the position of VP, Group Controlling. Her promotion reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.
Metsä Tissue, a subsidiary of Metsä Group, specializes in hygiene products and greaseproof papers. The company’s brands, such as Lambi and Serla, are household names in Finland and beyond. With sales reaching EUR 1.2 billion in 2024, Metsä Tissue plays a vital role in the group’s overall success. The appointment of Ilvonen as CFO is a strategic move. It signals a focus on financial stability and growth as the company continues to expand its market presence.
Both Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue are part of Metsä Group, which is owned by over 90,000 Finnish forest owners. This cooperative structure emphasizes sustainability and community involvement. The group aims to achieve completely fossil-free mills and raw materials by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects a growing trend in the industry towards environmental responsibility.
The leadership changes at Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue come at a pivotal time. The global market is evolving. Companies must adapt to new challenges, including sustainability demands and shifting consumer preferences. The new leaders will need to embrace innovation and drive strategic initiatives that align with these trends.
For Metsä Board, the focus will likely remain on enhancing product quality and expanding its portfolio. The company has made significant investments in its mills, including modernization projects that aim to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Kaikkonen’s experience in various leadership roles will be instrumental in steering these initiatives.
At Metsä Tissue, Ilvonen’s financial acumen will be crucial as the company navigates the competitive landscape of hygiene products. The demand for sustainable and high-quality products is on the rise. Metsä Tissue must continue to innovate while maintaining its commitment to diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
In conclusion, the leadership transitions at Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue are more than just changes in personnel. They represent a strategic pivot towards a sustainable and innovative future. As these companies embrace new leadership, they also embrace new opportunities. The road ahead may be challenging, but with experienced leaders at the helm, both Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue are poised to thrive in an ever-changing market. The future looks bright, and the journey is just beginning.
Metsä Board Corporation, a key player in the paperboard industry, is set to undergo a major leadership change. Long-time CEO Mika Joukio will step down on April 7, 2025. His departure marks the end of an era. Joukio has been at the helm since 2014, guiding the company through turbulent waters and significant investments. His tenure has been characterized by a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Under his leadership, Metsä Board has focused on producing lightweight, high-quality folding boxboards and food service boards, using renewable resources sourced from Northern European forests.
Joukio’s successor, Esa Kaikkonen, is no stranger to the company. With 27 years of experience at Metsä Group, Kaikkonen brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record. He has held various leadership roles, including CEO of Metsä Tissue Corporation and EVP of Metsä Wood. His deep understanding of the company’s operations and strategic vision positions him well to lead Metsä Board into its next chapter.
The transition period will see Joukio remain with the company until October 2025, providing support to Kaikkonen. This handover is crucial. It ensures continuity and stability during a time of change. Joukio’s expertise will help Kaikkonen navigate the complexities of his new role. The Board of Directors has expressed gratitude for Joukio’s contributions, highlighting his clear and inspiring leadership style.
Meanwhile, Metsä Tissue is also making waves with a new appointment. Terhi Ilvonen has been named CFO and a member of the management team. This change takes effect on April 1, 2025. Ilvonen’s journey within Metsä Tissue has been impressive. She has served as acting CFO and previously held the position of VP, Group Controlling. Her promotion reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.
Metsä Tissue, a subsidiary of Metsä Group, specializes in hygiene products and greaseproof papers. The company’s brands, such as Lambi and Serla, are household names in Finland and beyond. With sales reaching EUR 1.2 billion in 2024, Metsä Tissue plays a vital role in the group’s overall success. The appointment of Ilvonen as CFO is a strategic move. It signals a focus on financial stability and growth as the company continues to expand its market presence.
Both Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue are part of Metsä Group, which is owned by over 90,000 Finnish forest owners. This cooperative structure emphasizes sustainability and community involvement. The group aims to achieve completely fossil-free mills and raw materials by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects a growing trend in the industry towards environmental responsibility.
The leadership changes at Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue come at a pivotal time. The global market is evolving. Companies must adapt to new challenges, including sustainability demands and shifting consumer preferences. The new leaders will need to embrace innovation and drive strategic initiatives that align with these trends.
For Metsä Board, the focus will likely remain on enhancing product quality and expanding its portfolio. The company has made significant investments in its mills, including modernization projects that aim to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Kaikkonen’s experience in various leadership roles will be instrumental in steering these initiatives.
At Metsä Tissue, Ilvonen’s financial acumen will be crucial as the company navigates the competitive landscape of hygiene products. The demand for sustainable and high-quality products is on the rise. Metsä Tissue must continue to innovate while maintaining its commitment to diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
In conclusion, the leadership transitions at Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue are more than just changes in personnel. They represent a strategic pivot towards a sustainable and innovative future. As these companies embrace new leadership, they also embrace new opportunities. The road ahead may be challenging, but with experienced leaders at the helm, both Metsä Board and Metsä Tissue are poised to thrive in an ever-changing market. The future looks bright, and the journey is just beginning.