Nokian Tyres has announced changes to its operational structure and responsibilities in the management team, intended to strengthen the company’s further expansion and improve the distribution, development and harmonization of processes.
Alexej von Bagh will take over the responsibility for the global process development of Nokian Tyres on April 1. Von Bagh will have responsibility for the overall process architecture and process development. Nokian says the company’s aim is to extensively improve the mode of operations and overall business practices. Von Bagh reports to President and CEO Ari Lehtoranta. “Alexej has been a strong driver in Vianor’s success. Vianor’s processes are world class and business is growing. He will take the planning and execution of the whole company’s process architecture to the top level,” said Lehtoranta.
Anna Hyvönen will assume the responsibility for Vianor and partner distribution. This responsibility includes the overall development of the company’s partner distribution strategy, expansion of the partner network and management of the equity-owned Vianor chain. Hyvönen previously was responsible for the North central Europe market area in Ramirent plc and the maintenance business in KONE plc. Hyvönen joins Nokian Tyres on April 1 and also will report to Lehtoranta. “Anna will bring a new perspective on developing Vianor service business. Her tremendous experience in global service businesses will give the company great benefit,” said Lehtoranta.
Andrei Pantioukhov has been appointed executive vice president for the company. He will support Lehtoranta in strategic initiatives, being a representative for the company. He also will continue in his present role as the general manager for Nokian Tyres Russia. “I am very pleased that Andrei will support the company’s global endeavors. He is a key person behind Nokian Tyres’ success in Russia and the company will now benefit from this experience and know how globally,” Lehtoranta added.
Nokian Tyres’ ICT function led by Heikki Mattsson will be reporting to Teppo Huovila, who will be responsible for quality, sustainability and ICT. This change comes into effect on April 1.
Head of Research and Development Juha Pirhonen also has been appointed to the management team.
The Nokian Tyres’ management team as of April 1 will be:
- Ari Lehtoranta, president and CEO
- Alexej von Bagh, process development
- Esa Eronen, supply operations
- Teppo Huovila, quality, sustainability and ICT
- Anna Hyvönen, Vianor and partner distribution
- Anne Leskelä, finance and IR
- Ville Nurmi, human resources
- Andrei Pantioukhov, executive vice president, general manager of Russian operations
- Juha Pirhonen, research and development
- Manu Salmi, heavy tyres
- Pontus Stenberg, sales
- Antti-Jussi Tähtinen, marketing and communications
