Raute Appoints New President/CEO

Raute Corp.’s Board of Directors has appointed Mika Saariaho as the new President and CEO beginning in late November. He will join Raute from Metso Outotec Corp. where he holds the position of Senior Vice President. Saariaho succeeds Tapani Kiiski who left his position by mutual agreement. Kiiski had been Raute President and CEO since 2004.

“After such a long history with the company, leaving this position is naturally bittersweet. The years have been filled with many challenges and successes,” Kiiski comments.

Saariaho has more than 20 years of experience and a solid track record in international business, especially in technology companies. Prior to the formation of Metso Outotec, he worked in various leadership roles at Metso and Outotec and previous worked worked for the World Steel Assn., Outokumpu and McKinsey. He was born in 1973 and is a Doctor of Science (Technology).

“We believe that Raute will be welcoming an excellent new President and CEO in Mika Saariaho. Mika’s extensive experience and competence provide him with an excellent foundation from which to take on this new position and to lead Raute along a profitable path,” says Raute Chair of the Board of Directors Laura Raitio.

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Petri Strengell is acting as interim President and CEO until Saariaho takes over the position. Thereafter, Strengell will continue in his role as COO and member of the company’s Executive Board.

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