Andersson to give Oriola fresh focus
This article was originally published in OTC Bulletin & The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Robert Andersson – former senior vice president at Swedish mobile network operator Telia – has taken charge of Finnish wholesaler and retailer Oriola.
Robert Andersson – former senior vice president at Swedish mobile network operator Telia – has taken charge of Finnish wholesaler and retailer Oriola.
Andersson has taken over as president and chief executive officer from Eero Hautaniemi, who stepped down last year after 12 years at the helm. Kimmo Virtanen – who took interim charge of the business – will continue as the firm’s executive vice president.
Commenting on the change in leadership, Oriola told OTC bulletin that the move would open up the business to new ways of thinking and new opportunities.
Highlighting the recent domestic launch of its Hehku chain of health and wellbeing stores (OTC bulletin, 12 January 2018, page 6) and “fast-growing consumer business”, Oriola pointed out that Andersson’s extensive experience in consumer-facing industries aligned with the company’s strategy.
Andersson has joined Oriola after spending six years at Telia, where he held multiple positions, including head of Europe and chief executive officer for the firm’s Finnish operations.
Previously, Andersson spent over a decade at the telecommunications company Nokia, where he held multiple leadership positions across the company’s Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific divisions.
Meanwhile, Oriola has named Helena Kukkonen as chief financial officer. Kukkonen replaces Sari Aitokallio, who held the role on an interim basis.
Kukkonen will join the company in March from SSH Communications Security – where she was chief financial officer – having previously held senior financial roles at technology firm Microsoft, Nokia and Swedish telecommunications firm Sonera.