Metsä Group's Leadership Shake-Up: A New Era Begins
June 18, 2025, 1:11 pm
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Espoo
Employees: 5001-10000
Founded date: 1934
Total raised: $150K
Change is in the air at Metsä Group. As of July 1, 2025, the company will undergo a significant transformation in its Executive Management Team. This shift is not just a shuffle of titles; it’s a strategic move aimed at enhancing performance and sustainability. The forest industry is evolving, and Metsä Group is ready to lead the charge.
At the heart of this change is Jussi Vanhanen, who will step into the role of President and CEO. His appointment marks a new chapter for the company, which has deep roots in Finnish forestry. Vanhanen’s vision is clear: to create a harmonized and efficient management team that can navigate the complexities of the modern market. He aims to improve short-term performance while ensuring long-term value creation from northern wood.
The new Executive Management Team will feature key players from various business areas. Each member brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. Jaakko Anttila will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). He has been with Metsä Group since 2011, most recently serving as EVP of Metsä Wood. His familiarity with the company’s operations will be invaluable as he steps into this pivotal role.
Wilhelm Wolff joins the team as EVP of Strategy and Investments. Coming from Huhtamäki, he has a robust background in strategy and business development. His experience at Neste and UPM-Kymmene will help steer Metsä Group towards innovative growth strategies. Meanwhile, Tomi Salo will focus on Stakeholder Engagement, ensuring that the company maintains strong relationships with its partners and customers.
The Executive Management Team will also include seasoned leaders like Miika Arola, EVP of Legal and Compliance, and Pertti Hietaniemi, EVP of Human Resources. Their roles are crucial in maintaining the company’s integrity and fostering a positive workplace culture. Juha Jumppanen, Esa Kaikkonen, Ismo Nousiainen, and Sari Pajari-Sederholm will continue to lead their respective divisions, ensuring stability during this transition.
The restructuring is not just about filling positions; it’s about aligning the company’s mission with its operational strategy. Metsä Group is committed to regenerative forestry, a principle that guides its business practices. The new leadership team will be tasked with enhancing the company’s sustainability efforts while driving profitability.
This leadership change coincides with another significant shift at Metsä Board Corporation. Ilkka Hämälä, the current Chair of the Board, will resign on the same day as Vanhanen’s new role begins. Hämälä has been instrumental in positioning Metsä Board as a leader in fresh fiber paperboard production. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new leadership.
Jussi Vanhanen will not only serve as President and CEO of Metsä Group but will also take on the role of Chair of the Board of Directors at Metsä Board. This dual role is a strategic move to ensure alignment between the two entities. Vanhanen’s experience on the Board since March 2025 and his previous leadership at Metsäliitto Cooperative will provide continuity and direction.
The Board of Directors will now consist of nine members, maintaining compliance with the company’s articles of association. Jussi Linnanranta will continue as Vice Chair, ensuring that the Board remains stable during this transition. The new leadership structure aims to enhance decision-making and strategic planning, critical components for navigating the challenges of the forest industry.
Metsä Group’s commitment to sustainability is unwavering. The company aims to achieve completely fossil-free mills and raw materials by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental responsibility. As consumers become more eco-conscious, companies like Metsä Group must adapt to meet these expectations.
The forest industry is at a crossroads. Climate change, resource scarcity, and shifting consumer preferences are reshaping the landscape. Metsä Group’s leadership changes are a proactive response to these challenges. By assembling a diverse and experienced management team, the company is positioning itself for success in a competitive market.
Metsä Group’s roots run deep in Finnish forests. With over 90,000 forest owners as stakeholders, the company is committed to sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy. The new leadership team will play a crucial role in advancing this mission, ensuring that Metsä Group remains a leader in the industry.
As the company embarks on this new journey, the focus will be on collaboration and innovation. The Executive Management Team is tasked with fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, essential for driving creativity and growth. By leveraging the strengths of its leaders, Metsä Group aims to create a resilient organization ready to tackle the future.
In conclusion, Metsä Group is poised for a transformative period. With a new leadership structure in place, the company is ready to enhance its performance and sustainability efforts. The forest industry is evolving, and Metsä Group is determined to lead the way. As the leaves rustle in the Finnish forests, a new chapter begins for this iconic company. The future looks bright, and the journey is just beginning.
At the heart of this change is Jussi Vanhanen, who will step into the role of President and CEO. His appointment marks a new chapter for the company, which has deep roots in Finnish forestry. Vanhanen’s vision is clear: to create a harmonized and efficient management team that can navigate the complexities of the modern market. He aims to improve short-term performance while ensuring long-term value creation from northern wood.
The new Executive Management Team will feature key players from various business areas. Each member brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. Jaakko Anttila will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). He has been with Metsä Group since 2011, most recently serving as EVP of Metsä Wood. His familiarity with the company’s operations will be invaluable as he steps into this pivotal role.
Wilhelm Wolff joins the team as EVP of Strategy and Investments. Coming from Huhtamäki, he has a robust background in strategy and business development. His experience at Neste and UPM-Kymmene will help steer Metsä Group towards innovative growth strategies. Meanwhile, Tomi Salo will focus on Stakeholder Engagement, ensuring that the company maintains strong relationships with its partners and customers.
The Executive Management Team will also include seasoned leaders like Miika Arola, EVP of Legal and Compliance, and Pertti Hietaniemi, EVP of Human Resources. Their roles are crucial in maintaining the company’s integrity and fostering a positive workplace culture. Juha Jumppanen, Esa Kaikkonen, Ismo Nousiainen, and Sari Pajari-Sederholm will continue to lead their respective divisions, ensuring stability during this transition.
The restructuring is not just about filling positions; it’s about aligning the company’s mission with its operational strategy. Metsä Group is committed to regenerative forestry, a principle that guides its business practices. The new leadership team will be tasked with enhancing the company’s sustainability efforts while driving profitability.
This leadership change coincides with another significant shift at Metsä Board Corporation. Ilkka Hämälä, the current Chair of the Board, will resign on the same day as Vanhanen’s new role begins. Hämälä has been instrumental in positioning Metsä Board as a leader in fresh fiber paperboard production. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new leadership.
Jussi Vanhanen will not only serve as President and CEO of Metsä Group but will also take on the role of Chair of the Board of Directors at Metsä Board. This dual role is a strategic move to ensure alignment between the two entities. Vanhanen’s experience on the Board since March 2025 and his previous leadership at Metsäliitto Cooperative will provide continuity and direction.
The Board of Directors will now consist of nine members, maintaining compliance with the company’s articles of association. Jussi Linnanranta will continue as Vice Chair, ensuring that the Board remains stable during this transition. The new leadership structure aims to enhance decision-making and strategic planning, critical components for navigating the challenges of the forest industry.
Metsä Group’s commitment to sustainability is unwavering. The company aims to achieve completely fossil-free mills and raw materials by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental responsibility. As consumers become more eco-conscious, companies like Metsä Group must adapt to meet these expectations.
The forest industry is at a crossroads. Climate change, resource scarcity, and shifting consumer preferences are reshaping the landscape. Metsä Group’s leadership changes are a proactive response to these challenges. By assembling a diverse and experienced management team, the company is positioning itself for success in a competitive market.
Metsä Group’s roots run deep in Finnish forests. With over 90,000 forest owners as stakeholders, the company is committed to sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy. The new leadership team will play a crucial role in advancing this mission, ensuring that Metsä Group remains a leader in the industry.
As the company embarks on this new journey, the focus will be on collaboration and innovation. The Executive Management Team is tasked with fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, essential for driving creativity and growth. By leveraging the strengths of its leaders, Metsä Group aims to create a resilient organization ready to tackle the future.
In conclusion, Metsä Group is poised for a transformative period. With a new leadership structure in place, the company is ready to enhance its performance and sustainability efforts. The forest industry is evolving, and Metsä Group is determined to lead the way. As the leaves rustle in the Finnish forests, a new chapter begins for this iconic company. The future looks bright, and the journey is just beginning.