Kesla Oyj Management Group
Marko Pekkola, born 1969
Member of the Direction Group since November 2022
Managing Director
Paavo Hopponen, born 1961
Member of the Direction Group since April 2007
Master of Engineering
Production Direction
Key professional experience:
- Production Director since 2007, Kesla Oyj
- Development Manager (Senior Manager), Verification & Approval Process, Global Operations 2004 - 2007, Perlos Oyj
- Factory Manager, Tools, Joensuu 1998 - 2004, Regional Manager Suomen muotinvalmistusyksiköt 2002 - 2003, Perlos Oyj
- Foreman in the mold production unit, Tools, Joensuu 1995 - 1998, Perlos Oy
- Engineer in Production Planning, Quality and Development duties, The Mold Production Unit in Joensuu Plant 1992 - 1995, Perlos Oy
Mika Tahvanainen, born 1974
Member of the Direction Group since May 2012
Marketing Director; Business director, wood harvesting
Master of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences
Key professional experience:
- Marketing Director since 2012, Kesla Oyj
- Sales Manager 2010 - 2012, Kesla Oyj
- Business Development Manager 2008 - 2010, Kesla Oyj
- Export Manager 2003 - 2008, Kesla Oyj
- Development Manager 2002 - 2003, Kaduko Oy
- Researcher 2000 - 2001, Työtehoseura
Sarita Kortelainen, born 1981
Member of the Direction Group since August 2017
Financial Manager
B.A.Sc. Accounting and Finance and Bachelor of Forestry
Key professional experience:
- Financial Manager since 2015, Kesla Oyj
- Accountant 2013 - 2015, Kesla Oyj
- Accountant 2011 - 2013, Visma Services Oy
- Accountant 2008 - 2011, Tietokate Oy
- Forestry Counselor 2005 - 2008, Forest Owners Association Lapinlahti
Ari Pirhonen, born 1966
Member of the Direction Group since February 2019
Business Director, Truck and industrial cranes
M. Sc.
Key professional experience:
- Business Director, Truck and industrial cranes 2019-, Kesla Oyj
- Product Manager, Truck and industrial cranes 2017-2019, Kesla Oyj
- Production Manager 2005-2017, Kesla Oyj
- Planning Manager 2006-2008, Kesla Oyj
- Service Manager 2001-2004, Suomen kiitoautot Oy
- Factory Manager 1998-2001, Konepaja Antti Ranta Oy
Markku Lappalainen, born 1960
Member of the Direction Group since March 2021
Business Director, Tractor Attachments
Engineer, MBA
Key professional experience:
- Business Director, Tractor Attachments 2021-, Kesla Oyj
- Development Manager, 2019-2021, Toyota Gazoo Racing
- Managing Director, 2010-2019, FMG
- Country Manager (Scandinavia and Baltic countries) 2007-2010, AGCO Corp.
- Sales Manager (Finland, Baltic countries, Poland and CIS-countries) 2003-2007, Valtra inc.
- Managing Director, 2000-2003, Valtra Norway
- Manager 1997-2000, Valtra domestic sales
- Sales and Marketing Manager 1992-1997, Valmet tractors, domestic sales
- Project Manager, 1987-1992, Valmet tractors
- Product development engineer 1984-1987, Valmet tractors