Press Release: Harri Ojala appointed as the CEO of Business Tampere

Harri Ojala has been appointed as the CEO of Business Tampere, starting from August 1, 2024. Ojala has been with Business Tampere since 2017, serving in various leadership roles, and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer, COO.

Ojala holds a master’s degree in administrative sciences from the Tampere University. Additionally, he has an undergraduate degree in international business. Prior to joining Business Tampere, Ojala has worked at organizations such as the Tampere Chamber of Commerce and served on the boards of small and medium-sized enterprises.

"The board is very pleased that a new capable CEO has been found from within the company to continue the diverse and meaningful work for the benefit of the Tampere city region. With his experience and expertise, Harri Ojala will lead the company, which is already in good momentum. We want to thank Harri Airaksinen for successfully steering Business Tampere in a challenging and changing operating environment", says the Chairman of the Board Timo Mäki-Ullakko.

"It is a privilege to lead the business and development company in the urban region, whose strides in progress are unmatched in the Nordic countries. Business Tampere is currently involved in impactful projects that further strengthen development. Our team has accelerated significant industrial and high-technology investments in recent years, served thousands of companies in various ways, and improved international accessibility. I thank the board for their trust and the opportunity to serve as CEO, ensuring that the municipalities' investment in these activities yields the greatest possible return", says the future CEO Harri Ojala.

The current CEO of the company, Harri Airaksinen, will continue in his role until July 31, 2024, after which he will transition to Brussels as the EU representative for Tampere and Pirkanmaa, also assuming the role of office manager starting from September 1, 2024. "The preparation of the economic and development strategy for the Tampere city region, extending until 2030, has just begun, and this is an excellent moment for a leadership transition. The new CEO will have the opportunity to lead the preparation of the strategy, and I can also contribute to it myself", says CEO Harri Airaksinen.

Additional information: 

Timo Mäki-Ullakko, Chairman of the Board, tel. +358 50 073 5195
Harri Ojala, CEO starting from August 1, 2024, tel. +358 40 762 3784
Harri Airaksinen, CEO until July 31, 2024, tel. +358 40 504 1215