Leadership Transition at Valmet: Sami Riekkola Steps Down After 28 Years
In a significant move for its corporate structure, Valmet Oyj has announced that Sami Riekkola, the Executive Vice President overseeing the Pulp, Energy, and Circularity sectors, will be stepping down after nearly three decades with the company. Riekkola's departure, effective by January 22, 2027, comes as he pursues opportunities beyond Valmet.
Valmet's President and CEO, Thomas Hinnerskov, expressed deep gratitude toward Riekkola, highlighting his extensive contributions during his 28-year career. Riekkola has held key leadership positions that shaped the company's technology offerings and strengthened client relationships across its biomaterials and automation sectors. "His impact has been monumental, and we wish him success in his future endeavors," stated Hinnerskov.
Riekkola has been part of Valmet's Executive Leadership Team since 2018, and just last year, he was promoted to lead the Pulp, Energy, and Circularity business area. Before this, he had impactful roles, including leading the Pulp and Energy business line and acting as President of the Automation Systems business line from 2018 to 2022.
Reflecting on his career, Riekkola remarked, "It has been a privilege to work with the exceptional team at Valmet, who have supported me throughout my journey. We have accomplished remarkable feats together, and while I move on to address new challenges, I will always cherish my time here and look forward to Valmet's ongoing success."
Valmet is recognized globally for its technological innovations that cater to process industries. With over 225 years of experience and a workforce of approximately 18,500 professionals in nearly 40 countries, the company positions itself as a transformative force towards sustainable industry solutions. In the fiscal year 2025, Valmet reported net sales of approximately EUR 5.2 billion, affirming its strong market position.
As the company embarks on the search for Riekkola's successor, stakeholders express optimism about how the continued evolution of Valmet’s leadership might influence the company’s future trajectories. Riekkola's impending exit not only signifies a significant change in the company's leadership dynamics but also poses new opportunities for strategic growth and innovation in the company’s operations moving forward.
Despite the transition, Valmet remains committed to sustaining its reputation as a cutting-edge technology leader. The links between past and future are crucial in ensuring that the values and objectives instilled by leaders like Riekkola will continue to thrive as the company navigates an evolving industrial landscape.
Valmet's President and CEO, Thomas Hinnerskov, expressed deep gratitude toward Riekkola, highlighting his extensive contributions during his 28-year career. Riekkola has held key leadership positions that shaped the company's technology offerings and strengthened client relationships across its biomaterials and automation sectors. "His impact has been monumental, and we wish him success in his future endeavors," stated Hinnerskov.
Riekkola has been part of Valmet's Executive Leadership Team since 2018, and just last year, he was promoted to lead the Pulp, Energy, and Circularity business area. Before this, he had impactful roles, including leading the Pulp and Energy business line and acting as President of the Automation Systems business line from 2018 to 2022.
Reflecting on his career, Riekkola remarked, "It has been a privilege to work with the exceptional team at Valmet, who have supported me throughout my journey. We have accomplished remarkable feats together, and while I move on to address new challenges, I will always cherish my time here and look forward to Valmet's ongoing success."
Valmet is recognized globally for its technological innovations that cater to process industries. With over 225 years of experience and a workforce of approximately 18,500 professionals in nearly 40 countries, the company positions itself as a transformative force towards sustainable industry solutions. In the fiscal year 2025, Valmet reported net sales of approximately EUR 5.2 billion, affirming its strong market position.
As the company embarks on the search for Riekkola's successor, stakeholders express optimism about how the continued evolution of Valmet’s leadership might influence the company’s future trajectories. Riekkola's impending exit not only signifies a significant change in the company's leadership dynamics but also poses new opportunities for strategic growth and innovation in the company’s operations moving forward.
Despite the transition, Valmet remains committed to sustaining its reputation as a cutting-edge technology leader. The links between past and future are crucial in ensuring that the values and objectives instilled by leaders like Riekkola will continue to thrive as the company navigates an evolving industrial landscape.
Topics General Business）
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