Nokian Tyres: A New Chapter in Corporate Governance
May 10, 2025, 9:58 pm

Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Nokia
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1898
Total raised: $162.36M
Nokian Tyres plc is revving up its corporate governance. On May 7, 2025, the company held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and made a significant decision regarding the compensation of its Board of Directors. The decision? A shift towards a hybrid payment model. This model allocates 60% of the annual fee in cash and 40% in company shares. This move reflects a growing trend in corporate governance, where aligning the interests of executives with those of shareholders is paramount.
The implications of this decision are profound. By tying a portion of directors' compensation to company shares, Nokian Tyres is fostering a culture of ownership. Directors will now have a vested interest in the company's performance. When the company thrives, so do they. This is a classic case of “skin in the game.” It encourages directors to think long-term, not just about quarterly results.
The transactions were reported on May 9, 2025, with several board members receiving their share-based incentives. Susanne Hahn, Markus Korsten, Christopher Ostrander, Elina Björklund, Antti Mäkinen, Jukka Hienonen, and Elisa Markula were among those who benefited. Each received a specific number of shares, with transactions executed on May 8, 2025. The shares were acquired at a unit price of zero euros, a clear indication that these were part of the incentive program rather than market purchases.
The numbers tell a story. Hahn and Mäkinen received 3,501 shares each. Korsten and Markula also received 3,501 shares. Ostrander and Björklund received slightly more, with 4,973 shares each. Hienonen topped the list with 7,525 shares. This distribution reflects a strategic approach to incentivizing key players within the company. It’s a way to ensure that those at the helm are not just steering the ship but are also invested in its journey.
Nokian Tyres is not just about numbers. The company has a mission. It aims to make the world safer by reinventing tires and how they are made. This mission is deeply rooted in sustainability. The company develops and manufactures premium tires for passenger cars, trucks, and heavy machinery. Sustainability is at the heart of its operations. This commitment is not just a marketing ploy; it’s a guiding principle.
The company employs around 3,800 people and reported net sales of EUR 1.3 billion in 2024. These figures underscore Nokian Tyres' position as a leader in the tire industry. The company is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki, further solidifying its presence in the global market.
The decision to implement a share-based incentive program is a strategic move. It aligns with global trends in corporate governance. Companies worldwide are recognizing the importance of aligning executive compensation with shareholder interests. This approach can lead to better decision-making and increased accountability.
Nokian Tyres is also tapping into its northern heritage. The company draws inspiration from its roots to innovate and create products that meet the demands of modern driving. The Vianor chain, which provides tire and car services, is a testament to this commitment. It’s not just about selling tires; it’s about offering a complete driving experience.
As the automotive industry evolves, so does Nokian Tyres. The company is leading the charge towards smarter driving. This involves not just innovation in tire technology but also a focus on sustainability. The world is changing, and Nokian Tyres is adapting.
The share-based incentive program is a step towards a more engaged and accountable board. It’s a signal to investors that the company is serious about its future. When directors have a stake in the company, they are more likely to make decisions that benefit all stakeholders.
In conclusion, Nokian Tyres is at a crossroads. The recent AGM and the decisions made there reflect a commitment to modern corporate governance. By aligning the interests of its board members with those of its shareholders, the company is setting the stage for a brighter future. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but with a dedicated board and a clear mission, Nokian Tyres is poised to navigate the road ahead successfully.
This is not just about tires; it’s about safety, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence. Nokian Tyres is not just a company; it’s a promise to make the world a safer place, one tire at a time.
The implications of this decision are profound. By tying a portion of directors' compensation to company shares, Nokian Tyres is fostering a culture of ownership. Directors will now have a vested interest in the company's performance. When the company thrives, so do they. This is a classic case of “skin in the game.” It encourages directors to think long-term, not just about quarterly results.
The transactions were reported on May 9, 2025, with several board members receiving their share-based incentives. Susanne Hahn, Markus Korsten, Christopher Ostrander, Elina Björklund, Antti Mäkinen, Jukka Hienonen, and Elisa Markula were among those who benefited. Each received a specific number of shares, with transactions executed on May 8, 2025. The shares were acquired at a unit price of zero euros, a clear indication that these were part of the incentive program rather than market purchases.
The numbers tell a story. Hahn and Mäkinen received 3,501 shares each. Korsten and Markula also received 3,501 shares. Ostrander and Björklund received slightly more, with 4,973 shares each. Hienonen topped the list with 7,525 shares. This distribution reflects a strategic approach to incentivizing key players within the company. It’s a way to ensure that those at the helm are not just steering the ship but are also invested in its journey.
Nokian Tyres is not just about numbers. The company has a mission. It aims to make the world safer by reinventing tires and how they are made. This mission is deeply rooted in sustainability. The company develops and manufactures premium tires for passenger cars, trucks, and heavy machinery. Sustainability is at the heart of its operations. This commitment is not just a marketing ploy; it’s a guiding principle.
The company employs around 3,800 people and reported net sales of EUR 1.3 billion in 2024. These figures underscore Nokian Tyres' position as a leader in the tire industry. The company is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki, further solidifying its presence in the global market.
The decision to implement a share-based incentive program is a strategic move. It aligns with global trends in corporate governance. Companies worldwide are recognizing the importance of aligning executive compensation with shareholder interests. This approach can lead to better decision-making and increased accountability.
Nokian Tyres is also tapping into its northern heritage. The company draws inspiration from its roots to innovate and create products that meet the demands of modern driving. The Vianor chain, which provides tire and car services, is a testament to this commitment. It’s not just about selling tires; it’s about offering a complete driving experience.
As the automotive industry evolves, so does Nokian Tyres. The company is leading the charge towards smarter driving. This involves not just innovation in tire technology but also a focus on sustainability. The world is changing, and Nokian Tyres is adapting.
The share-based incentive program is a step towards a more engaged and accountable board. It’s a signal to investors that the company is serious about its future. When directors have a stake in the company, they are more likely to make decisions that benefit all stakeholders.
In conclusion, Nokian Tyres is at a crossroads. The recent AGM and the decisions made there reflect a commitment to modern corporate governance. By aligning the interests of its board members with those of its shareholders, the company is setting the stage for a brighter future. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but with a dedicated board and a clear mission, Nokian Tyres is poised to navigate the road ahead successfully.
This is not just about tires; it’s about safety, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence. Nokian Tyres is not just a company; it’s a promise to make the world a safer place, one tire at a time.