On 1 July 2025, Jussi Vanhanen succeeded Ilkka Hämälä as President and CEO of Metsä Group. The new CEO brings with him extensive international management experience from the forest industry.
With the appointment of Jussi Vanhanen, the Metsä Group has completed the announced change in leadership. Vanhanen succeeds Ilkka Hämälä, who is retiring after a long and formative career.
During his time in office, Hämälä has made a significant contribution to the further development of the company, according to a company statement. Investments in modern production facilities, new business areas and measures to promote ecological sustainability and biodiversity in forestry are particularly emphasised.
Successor with international experience
The new CEO Jussi Vanhanen has broad international experience in management positions, particularly in the forestry and paper industry. He takes the helm at a time when the Group is focussing equally on sustainability and competitiveness.
„Ilkka Hämälä has led Metsä Group with determination and commitment,“ said Jussi Linnaranta, Chairman of the Board of Directors. „His work has not only helped to strengthen competitiveness, but has also provided impetus for a more sustainable forestry industry.“
Linnaranta also emphasised that the future strategic direction of the company will continue to be characterised by Hämälä's work. At the same time, he wished the new CEO Vanhanen every success in continuing these tasks in the interests of Finnish forest owners.
Source: Metsä
