The appointment of Vehviläinen will become effective upon completion of the transaction which is currently expected to take place by the end of H1/2022. Until completion, both companies will operate fully separately and independently.
Vehviläinen has served as Cargotec’s CEO since 2013 and is a member of the Board of Directors of Danfoss. Prior to joining Cargotec, he was President and CEO of Finnair between 2010 and 2013, COO for Nokia Siemens Networks between 2007 and 2009 and in various positions with Nokia between 1991 and 2007.
He was also vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Elisa Corporation between 2014 and 2018 (member between 2012 and 2014) and Vacon between 2010 and 2014 (member during 2009).
“I am energised and excited about the potential of the Future Company, and the chance to work together with the extraordinary talent from both companies to deliver the very best for our customers and society around us in a truly sustainable way. It will be an honour and an inspiring opportunity to lead the Future Company when the first day of operations arrives, and I am thankful to the Boards of both companies for their trust at this historic moment,” said Vehviläinen.
Christoph Vitzthum, chairman of the Future Company and chairman, Konecranes, added the announcement was a defining moment for the Future Company and the industry as a whole, and marks the culmination of a rigorous selection process involving the boards of both Cargotec and Konecranes.
“The Future Company has an ambition to become a global leader in sustainable material flow, and both Boards are confident that Mika Vehviläinen, with his robust leadership and industry experience and proven track record of creating value at Cargotec and other companies, is exactly the right person for the position,” he said.
Ilkka Herlin, chairman, Cargotec, added its customers are increasingly seeking green solutions and this will be ‘a major business driver and value creation opportunity’ for the Future Company.
“Mr Vehviläinen has done an outstanding job and played an integral role over the past years transforming Cargotec’s business and the whole industry towards a more sustainable one. I’m pleased Mr Vehviläinen will lead the Future Company and ensure a seamless transition to the next phase of our sustainable growth journey together with Konecranes,” said Herlin.
