The Board of Directors of Kesla Oyj has appointed Pasi Nieminen (Master of Science in Production Engineering, born 1975) as the CEO of Kesla. Nieminen will assume his new position no later than August 2024. Nieminen will join Kesla from Toyota Material Handling Europe, where he has worked in management position of the company's SAP Transformation Program in Europe. Prior to that, Nieminen served as Managing Director of Toyota Material Handling Finland for over ten years, before which he worked in various positions within the technology industry.
“In line with its strategy, Kesla focuses on profitable growth in all its three business areas: tractor attachments, truck and industrial cranes, and logging equipment. Growing beyond the company’s current size requires deep expertise in implementing an innovative business and transformation strategy and experience in mechanical engineering business as well as production management. I would like to warmly welcome Pasi Nieminen to Kesla. He has strong international experience from the comprehensive development and successful implementation of different business areas,” says Vesa Tuomi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kesla.
“A skilled staff, deep industry expertise, flexible production, competitive products, a strong brand and partner network as well as high customer satisfaction are inherent characteristics of Kesla. I am extremely happy about getting to lead this traditional Finnish company with international operations and to build the next steps of the company’s growth path and success together with the staff. In addition to strong technological know-how and production, I believe that the systematic development of customer understanding, customer relationships and sales is key to success,” states Pasi Nieminen.
The Board of Directors of Kesla Oyj appointed CFO Ilkka Miettinen as the company’s interim CEO starting from 2 November 2023. Once Nieminen assumes his position, Miettinen will continue as the company’s CFO.
Kesla - Your Responsible Partner
Kesla is a responsible partner that develops machinery, technology and services for the sustainable success of its customers, both in and outside the forest. Kesla’s business operations are focused on three business areas: tractor attachments, logging equipment and truck and industrial cranes. In 2022, the Group’s turnover was EUR 45.9 million, of which 61% was attributable to export operations. Established in 1960, Kesla has production facilities in Joensuu, Kesälahti and Ilomantsi as well as a sales office Appenweier, Germany. Kesla currently employs around 250 people. Kesla’s A series shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
Pasi Nieminen has been appointed as the CEO of Kesla.