Management
Harri Ojala
CEO, Chief Executive Officer
Harri Ojala is a visionary who was elected CEO in 2024 and for whom the international success of Tampere region, including both investments in the area and the successful export of companies' products, are matters of the heart.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriojala/
https://twitter.com/harriojala
Pertti Aimonen
COO, Chief Operating Officer
Pertti focuses on promoting the internationalization of companies and attracting new industrial investments, particularly in the fields of mechanical engineering, semiconductors, defense technology, and the energy transition.
Marita Jaatinen
Chief Business Development Officer
Marita leads initiatives aimed at industrial growth in the Tampere urban region, including hydrogen and heavy industry projects. At the same time, Marita also serves as the Director of Economic Affairs for the Municipality of Pirkkala.
+358 40 5434 722
Development and events
Niina Hokkanen
Chief Development Officer
Knowledge management, analytics, data, CRM, customer satisfaction, AI-assisted business development services, development and procurement of services, project activities, strategy processes – in these matters, contact Niina.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/niinaimmonen/
https://twitter.com/NiinaImmonen
+358 40 821 5113
Anu Aila
Service Advisor, CRM & Power BI
Anu is the system administrator of the company's CRM system, responsible for the continued development of customer relationship management. Anu supports and trains staff in the use of Microsoft Dynamics 365.
+358 40 7389 570
Alisa Kasari
Event Coordinator
Alisa is responsible for tasks related to events, such as event communication and arrangements. Please contact Alisa if you have any questions about our events.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisakasari/
+358 40 3587 672
Pia Nokkala
Service Advisor, Event Production
Pia organizes open events for businesses in the Tampere region. Please contact Pia if you have any questions about our events or the event calendar.
+358 40 5777 528
Up-to-date information is a critical component of data-driven decision-making in organizations. Please contact Elina if you have any questions regarding Business Tampere's information services.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elina-suuronen-60885916a/
+358 44 2762 008
Noora Vaaraniemi
Development Manager
Business Tampere supports growth companies and growth-oriented businesses with services and networks. Please feel free to reach out Noora if you need assistance with your company’s growth.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nooravaaraniemi/
+358 41 4350 883
EU activities
Harri Airaksinen
Director of the Tampere Region EU Office
Harri is the Director of the Tampere City Region and Pirkanmaa EU Office.
https://fi.linkedin.com/in/harri-airaksinen-3114706
https://twitter.com/AiraksinenHarri
+358 40 5041 215
Jari Ahola
Senior Business Advisor, EU Funding
Is your company already making the most of EU funding opportunities for your RDI (research, development, and innovation) activities or for business development? Get in touch with Jari to find the best option.
+358 40 5052 230
Joni Rauhansalo
EU Specialist
Joni works at the Pirkanmaa EU Office in Brussels. His daily tasks involve EU funding and EU Office's communication tasks.
Global Accounts
Sustainable and digital industry
Heini Wallander
Head of Industry
Heini leads Business Tampere’s industry team and is responsible for industrial client relations both in the Tampere Region and internationally. We support companies in accessing international markets, attract new businesses to the region, and work towards making the Tampere Region the best place in the world to develop mobile work machines and related technologies.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heiniwallander/
+358 40 7355 177
Pirkko Eteläaho
Senior Business Advisor, Circular Economy
Pirkko assists you with matters related to bioeconomy, circular economy, and low-carbon business development. She finds collaboration partners and helps in the search for experts, as well as mapping research services.
https://fi.linkedin.com/in/pirkko-etel%C3%A4aho-037b5283
https://twitter.com/pirkkoetelaaho
+358 40 6304 840
Ari Lylynoja
Senior Business Advisor
Are you interested in learning more about the prominent automotive and vehicle industry cluster in the Tampere region or exploring new business and collaboration opportunities in the field? Contact Ari!
https://linkedin.com/in/arilylynoja
+358 50 5687 608
Jouni Myllymäki
Senior Business Advisor, Industry
Jouni helps Tampere region manufacturing industry with networking, growth and internationalization, as well as with energy-related matters and invest-in activities.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jouni-myllym%C3%A4ki-0449587/
https://twitter.com/jounimatti
+358 50 4345 820
Sami Puttonen
Project Manager, Export Activities
Sami builds networks and finds contacts to accelerate international growth of businesses on different parts of the world, mainly outside EU markets.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sami-puttonen-61523085/
+358 40 5405 717
Heini Salopelto
Project Manager
Heini is engaged in supporting the internationalization of companies and the development of the automotive and vehicle industry cluster. She is responsible for the EU-funded SMEEE project, which facilitates exports to Canada and the United States.
+358 50 495 7016
Jarmo Tuorila
Senior Business Advisor
Jarmo connects international industrial companies with regional expertise and businesses, with a focus on OEM and Tier 1 companies in the automotive and mobile machinery sectors. Additionally, he works on linking international OEMs and other major industrial players with the semiconductor expertise of the Tampere Region’s universities and companies
+358400579563
ICT and health technology
Oliver Hussey
Head of ICT
Oliver is helping to create new jobs by attracting foreign companies to establish new offices and factories in our region. Contact Oliver if you have suggestions or need support.
https://fi.linkedin.com/in/ohussey
https://twitter.com/oliverhussey
+358 40 6794 142
Tero Kyckling
Senior Business Advisor, International Relations, Startups
Tero's expertise is scaleups. He manages the startup ecosystem's international relations and is responsible for the startup funnel, which presents the status of scalable companies.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terokyckling/
+358 40 5524 355
Mikko Pesonen
Project Manager, Scaleup Launchpad
When new business development and growth are your goals, get in touch with Mikko. Personal experience of more than 1,000 business projects. Funding, networks and innovation.
+358 40 5046 044
Ilona Raitakari
Senior Business Advisor, Tampere Health
Ilona's mission is to find growth opportunities and partnerships for healthcare companies in the Tampere area, Finland and globally.
+358 40 1244 956
Aino Salmi
Business Advisor, Tampere Health
Unlock the potential of your health technology business with help on Tampere Health Ecosystem. Let’s transform your vision into reality.
+358 40 7015 598
Tapio Siik
Senior Business Advisor, Funding
Is your company experiencing rapid growth and expanding internationally? You may need funding and support to make that happen. Get in touch with Tapio for feedback on your plans and to learn more about available funding options.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tapiosiik/
https://twitter.com/ats2k
+358 40 5681 483
Yi Tang
Project Manager & Business Advisor, Global Business
Yi helps companies enter foreign markets, especially in Asia. She works to foster collaboration and drive international growth, attracting foreign investments to the Tampere region. We serve as a bridge if you are planning to expand into Asian markets. Yi is in charge of the EU-funded project "Bridging4Growth" that boost export to the Great Lakes, Brazil and Uzbekistan.
+358 45 2794 150
Defence and dual-use
Mika Kulkas
Head of Defence
Mika identifies and accelerates new opportunities for the defense industry in the Tampere region. He works to enhance the industry's operating conditions and support its internationalization.
Growth Investments and Services
Marita Jaatinen
Chief Business Development Officer
Marita leads initiatives aimed at industrial growth in the Tampere urban region, including hydrogen and heavy industry projects. At the same time, Marita also serves as the Director of Economic Affairs for the Municipality of Pirkkala.
+358 40 5434 722
Raimo Vähämaa
Senior Business Advisor, Relocation Services
Raimo is an expert at making a company’s relocation or expansion in the Tampere region as smooth and secure as possible. Drawing on his extensive local knowledge, he connects businesses with the right networks, services, events, and location options.
https://fi.linkedin.com/in/raimo-v%C3%A4h%C3%A4maa-b6755418
+358 50 5052 228
Mika Kolari
Senior Business Advisor, EU Funding
Mika´s role is to support the preparation of large-scale hydrogen, energy, and e-fuel investments, as well as the utilization of EU funding.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mika-kolari-9369114
https://twitter.com/kolarimika?lang=en
+358 40 505 7464
Marja Aalto
Senior Specialist, Aviation
Marja's key work focuses on the international accessibility of the Tampere region and the development of air traffic. Marja is also passionate about regional development and regional marketing.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjaaalto/
https://twitter.com/AaltoMarja
+358 40 6319 211
Rita Fagerström
Senior Business Advisor
Rita helps your business to find the best solutions when you need assistance with challenges related to business development, growth, or international expansion.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritafagerstrom
+358 40 6262 960
Jukka Reunavuori
Business Advisor, Tampere City Region Business Development
In addition to implementing our EU-funded projects (such as Innovaatioiden Tampere), Jukka supports regional economic cooperation with our member municipalities.
https://fi.linkedin.com/in/jukka-reunavuori-42956120
https://twitter.com/reunavuorijukka
+358 40 6378 702
Competence programs
Security and resilience
Petri Nykänen
Executive Director, Safety and Security
Petri Nykänen is the Program Director for the Security and Defense Sector and coordinates The Tampere Region Safety and Security Cluster's operations.
https://fi.linkedin.com/in/petrinykanen
https://twitter.com/petrinykanen
+358 40 8062 375
Petri Koskinen
Senior Business Advisor, Safety and Security
Petri works for smart city safety. Petri can be contacted, particularly regarding matters related to cooperation with security authorities.
https://linkedin.com/in/petri-koskinen
+358 40 8247 716
Chips
Petri Räsänen
Senior Director, Chips from Tampere
Petri is the Program Director for Chips from Tampere. His mission is to make Tampere a European center of chip expertise through collaboration with stakeholders.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/petrirasanen/?originalSubdomain=fi
+358 40 7723 008
Sampo Härkönen
Development specialist
Sampo works in the Chips from Tampere program, attracting foreign investors and participants to Tampere's semiconductor ecosystem.
+358 40 5060 308
Film Tampere
Fanny Heinonen
Program Director, Film Tampere
The audiovisual sector is recognized as one of the key industries of the experience economy, and Film Tampere accelerates its diverse and increasingly international business ecosystem.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannyheinonen
+358 40 6655 051
Niina Virtanen
Business Adsvisor, Film Tampere
As Film Tampere's customer relations manager, Niina is responsible for production incentive issues, incentive applications, and advising productions on regional productions. In addition, Niina handles Film Tampere's communications and event organization.
+358 40 5046 082
Arto Käyhkö
Head of Games
Arto is the gaming industry expert at Film Tampere. He assists gaming companies with internationalization and supports new technology-driven creative industry companies, particularly with financing.
https://fi.linkedin.com/in/artokayhko
Smart City
Markku Niemi
Director, Smart City
Digitalization and latest IoT- and sensor technologies, combined with several major city development activities in Tampere region currently, open up many new interesting possibilities. Markku´s aim is to capitalize on these opportunities and work together with companies towards Smarter City.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markku-niemi-48b98b23/
https://twitter.com/markkuniemi_
+358 50 5117 341
Jari Ikonen
Senior Business Advisor, Smart Mobility
Jari's area of responsibility is smart mobility, such as autonomous buses. The goal is to promote the piloting and implementation of new technologies and digital mobility services.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jariikonen/
https://twitter.com/jari_ikonen
+358 500 4566 36
Data Economy & AI
Kristian Valkama
Senior Director, Data Economy & AI
Digitalizing operational environment, artificial intelligence, and the data economy are driving the development of our region's vitality. If you're interested in opportunities related to these areas, get in touch with Kristian.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristianvalkama/
+358 40 5380 365
Minna Kinnunen
Senior Business Advisor & Tampere AI ecosystem Manager
Artificial Intelligence is transforming business and everyday life. Get in touch with Minna if AI sparks your interest, or if you’d like to join the Tampere AI ecosystem, dedicated to helping companies grow with the power of AI.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/minna-kinnunen/
+358 40 5899 700
Marketing and communications
Olli Ikäheimo
Communications Director
The success stories of the Tampere region deserve to be heard, seen, and read. Contact Olli if you have a tip for Business Tampere’s communications.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikaheimo/
https://x.com/oikis
+358 44 9792 106
Katriina Istolahti
Marketing and Communications Manager
Katriina's work includes company communications, digital marketing and company newsletters. Her communications responsibilities include ecosystems such as Health and digitalizing industry.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katriinaistolahti/
+358 40 5407 732
Petri Kangas
Content Producer
Petri´s work focuses on planning and producing text, image, and video content, as well as other materials, for digital and traditional channels.
+358 40 4179 560
Anna Ryhänen
Digital Communications Specialist
Anna is responsible for Business Tampere's website. She is also involved in project communications as well as the development of internal communications and marketing automation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaryhanen
+358 40 5270 003
Administration
Reija Nykänen
Administrative Director
Reija is responsible for managing the administrative services of Business Tampere. You can also contact her if you have any questions regarding the processing of your personal data.
+358 40 8007 676
Merja Telenius
Human Resources Manager
Merja is responsible for tasks related to human resources. Her role includes supporting workforce planning and serving as an expert on employment relationship matters.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/merja-telenius-b2610465/
+358 40 800 7340
Annika is responsible for the company's financial administration and support management in budgeting and financial monitoring.
+358 40 5052 282
Laura Sulonen
Executive Assistant
Laura assists the management of Business Tampere and handles other administrative tasks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-sulonen-858864138
+358 40 5704 812
Milla Litmanen
Project Assistant
Milla is an expert in project payment applications and invoicing. Please get in touch with Milla for assistance with complex project matters.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/milla-litmanen-33a38a64/
+358 40 8669 102
Oona Mikkola
Project Assistant
Oona is responsible for project bookkeeping and budget monitoring, purchase and sales invoicing, as well as travel expense claims. In addition, Oona manages project payment applications and project administration.
+358 40 1836 146
Minna Pääkkönen
Project Assistant
Minna is on maternity leave.
+358 40 7073 245