Kesko’s new CEO Jorma Rauhala elected as Chair of the Finnish Commerce Federation
An extraordinary meeting of the Finnish Commerce Federation has elected Jorma Rauhala, the new President and CEO of Kesko, as the Chair of the Board. Rauhala will start as the Chair of the Finnish Commerce Federation’s Board on 1 February 2024, when Mikko Helander, the current Chair and Kesko’s President and CEO, retires.
Jorma Rauhala (b. 1965), the Finnish Commerce Federation’s new Chair of the Board, currently works as the President of the building and technical trade division and Deputy CEO of Kesko. He is also a member of the Board at the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) and Chair of the Board at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences Ltd.
Rauhala has strong experience in business and the commerce sector. Before becoming the President of Kesko’s building and technical trade division, he worked as the Senior Vice President of Kesko’s grocery trade division and as the President of Kesko Food. Rauhala has also served as the Managing Director of Kespro.
At the beginning of February, Rauhala will start as the President and CEO of Kesko and the Chair of the Board of the Finnish Commerce Federation.
“As the representative of our largest industry, the Finnish Commerce Federation plays an important role in the development of Finnish society. Our goal is to build well-functioning trade and a more competitive Finland. With the rapidly changing operating environment and its challenges, there is work to be done on several fronts,” says Jorma Rauhala.
“We welcome Rauhala to the Board of the Finnish Commerce Federation. It’s great to have him leading the work in line with our strategy. Rauhala brings with him a wide-ranging view of the commerce sector, which we will be needing in the industry’s changing operating environment,” says Mari Kiviniemi, Managing Director of the Finnish Commerce Federation.
Mikko Teittinen, CEO of Bang & Bonsomer Group Oy, will continue as the Vice Chair of the Board of the Finnish Commerce Federation. In the Work Committee, Mikko Helander’s seat will be replaced by Jorma Rauhala. There are no other changes to the Board of the Finnish Commerce Federation.
Further information: Managing Director Mari Kiviniemi, Finnish Commerce Federation, tel. +358 50 511 3189, mari.kiviniemi(at)kauppa.fi
