President and CEO and the Group Management Board

President and CEO of Kesko Corporation and Chairman of the Group Management Board

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Mikko Helander, b. 1960, Vuorineuvos (an honorary title granted by the President of the Republic of Finland), Master of Science (Technology), Doctor honoris causa (Dr. h. c. ), Economic Sciences.
Other major duties: Confederation of Finnish Industries EK: member of the Board 2016-, Deputy Chair of the Board 2016, 2019-2021; Finnish Commerce Federation: member of the Board 2015-, Chair of the Board 2018-2019, Deputy Chair of the Board 2015, 2021-; China Office of Finnish Industries Oy: member of the Board and working committee 2022-; Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company: member of the Board 2015 and Chair of the Board 2016-2019; Stora Enso Oyj: member of the Board 2019-2022; Finland Chamber of Commerce: member of the Board 2016-2020; Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA: member 2015-; Rajamme Vartijain Säätiö: member of the Board 2019-2021, Chair of the Board 2020-2021.
Employment history: employed by Kesko Corporation since 2014. Kesko Corporation's Managing Director and Kesko Group's President and CEO since 1 January 2015. Kesko Corporation's Executive Vice President 2014. Metsä Board Corporation: Chief Executive Officer 2006-2014; Metsä Tissue Corporation: Chief Executive Officer 2003-2006; Various management positions at Valmet Corporation between 1985-1990 and 1993-2003; Managing Director of Kasten Hövik 1990-1993.
Member of the Group Management Board since: 1 October 2014.

Kesko shares held:
31 December 2021: 5,000 A shares, 324,260 B shares.
31 December 2022: 5,000 A shares, 385,786 B shares.

The other members of the Group Management Board

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Jorma Rauhala, b. 1965, Master of Science (Economics).
President, building and technical trade, Deputy CEO.
Other major duties: European DIY Retail Association (EDRA): Member of the Board 2019-; Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences Ltd: Chair of the Board 2021-; The Finnish Grocery Trade Association: Chair of the Board 2017 (until 20.11.2017) and 2013-2014; member of the Board 2013-2016; the Association of Finnish Advertisers: member of the Board 2014-2017 (until 24.11.2017).
Employment history: employed by Kesko Corporation since 1992. President of Kesko’s building and technical trade since 15 November 2017. Senior Vice President, grocery trade division 2015-2017. President of Kesko Food Ltd 2013-2017. Vice President for the K-citymarket chain's food trade 2012-2013; Managing Director of Kespro Ltd 2007-2012; Purchasing Director of Kespro Ltd 2003-2007.
Member of the Group Management Board since: 5 February 2013.

Kesko shares held:
31 December 2021: 168,796 B-shares.
31 December 2022: 205,178 B-shares.

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Ari Akseli, b. 1972, Master of Science (Economics).
President, grocery trade.
Other major duties: The Finnish Grocery Trade Association: Member of the Board 2019-, Chair of the Board 2021-2022 and 2017-2018; Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company: member of the Supervisory Board 2021-; AMS Advisor Board: member 2013-2019; IGS Advisor Board: member 2016-; Ruokatieto: Vice Chairman of the Board 2016-2019, member of the Board 2013-2015; Association for Finnish Work: member of the Executive Committee 2014-2019.
Employment history: Employed by Kesko Corporation since 1995. President of Kesko’s grocery trade division since 15 November 2017. Vice President for Commerce, Kesko’s grocery trade 2013-2017; President, Anttila Oy 2010-2013; President, K-citymarket Oy 2008-2013.
Member of the Group Management Board since: 15 November 2017.

Kesko shares held:
31 December 2021: 324 A shares, 79,570 B shares.
31 December 2022: 1,824 A shares, 105,476 B shares.

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Sami Kiiski, b. 1976, Master of Science (Economics). 
President, car trade division, head of Kesko’s sports trade, CEO of Intersport Finland Oy.
Other major duties: Member of the Board of the Finnish Central Organisation for Motor Trades and Repairs (AKL) since 2023; member of the Board of Intersport International Corporation (IIC) since 2022; member of the Board of the Fashion and Sports Commerce Association since 2020; member of the Board of the Sport Retail and Wholesale Association (UVT) 2014-2019. 
Employment history: Employed by Kesko Corporation since 2020. President of Kesko’s car trade division since 1 June 2023; Director in charge of Kesko’s sports trade and CEO of Intersport Finland Oy since 2020; CEO of Halti Oy 2015-2020; Executive Vice President of Sultrade Oy 2014-2015 and International Sales Director 2009-2014; head of leisure trade business at Solifer Group 2007-2009.
Member of the Group Management Board since: 1 June 2023.

Kesko shares held:
1.6.2023: 11,932 B shares.

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Jukka Erlund, b. 1974, Master of Science (Economics), eMBA.
Executive Vice President, CFO.
Other major duties: Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company: member of the Board 3/2021-; Finnair Plc: member of the Board 2019-; Finnish Commerce Federation: Chair of the Tax and Economic Policy Committee 2011-; Confederation of Finnish Industries EK: member of the Economy and Tax Committee 2012-; Suomen Luotto-osuuskunta: member of the Board 2012-. 
Employment history: employed by Kesko Corporation since 2004. Senior Vice President, CFO since 1 November 2011. Kesko Food Ltd's Vice President for Finance 2010-2011; Kesko Corporation's Vice President, Corporate Controller 2007-2010; Kesko Corporation's Corporate Business Controller 2004-2007.
Member of the Group Management Board since: 1 November 2011.

Kesko shares held:
31 December 2021: 137,156 B shares.
31 December 2022: 160,427 B shares.

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Riikka Joukio, b. 1965, Master of Science (Technology), eMBA
Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Public Affairs.
Other major duties: PEFC International: Board Vice Chair, Board member 2014-2022; Climate Leadership Coalition (CLC): Deputy Member of the Board 9/2021-; Keskuskauppakamari: Elinkeino- ja ilmastovaliokunta 2022-; Encore Ympäristöpalvelut Oy: Board member 2018–2021; Puunjalostusinsinöörit ry - Forest Products Engineers: Board Chair, Board member 2014-2021; UNA Europa: advisory board member 2020-.
Employment history: Employed by Kesko Corporation since 12 April 2021. Metsä Group: SVP, Climate and Circular Economy 2020-2021; Metsä Tissue: SVP, Greaseproof papers and Consumer Nordics 2018-2019; Metsä Group: SVP, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs 2010-2018; Metsä Board Consumer Packaging: VP, Marketing 2004-2010; M-real Consumer Packaging: Assistant VP, technical sales and marketing 1999-2004; several technical positions at Metsä-Serla 1998-1999. 
Member of the Group Management Board since: 12 April 2021

Kesko shares held:
31 December 2021: 330 B shares.
31 December 2022: 4,153 B shares.

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Matti Mettälä, b. 1963, Master of Laws.
Executive Vice President, Human Resources.
Other major duties: Employment Fund: member of the Supervisory Board 2018-; Foundation for Vocational Training in the Retail Trade: member of the Board 2005-.
Employment history: employed by Kesko Corporation 1990-2005 and since 2012. Executive Vice President, Human Resources 12 April 2021-. Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Corporate Responsibility and Regional Relations 2018-2021. Senior Vice President, Human Resources 2015-2017. Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Stakeholder Relations 2012-2014. K-retailers' Association: Managing Director 2005-2012; Kesko Hardware and Builders’ Supplies: Vice President for Finance 2002-2005; Rautakesko Ltd: Development Director 2001-2002; Builders’ and Agricultural Supplies Division: Project Manager 1999-2000; Kesko Hardware and Builders’ Supplies: Vice President for the Rautia chain 1998-1999; Builders’ and Agricultural Supplies Division: Retail Services Manager 1996-1998; Vähittäiskaupan Takaus Oy: Retail Services Manager 1994-1996; Kesko Ltd's Credit Department: Credit Manager 1991-1992; Kesko Ltd's Credit Department: Legal Counsel 1990-1991.
Member of the Group Management Board since: 1 October 2012.

Kesko shares held:
31 December 2021: 88,440 B shares.
31 December 2022: 1,000 A shares, 104,631 B shares.

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Karoliina Partanen, b. 1977, Master of Political Science.
Executive Vice President, Communications 
Areas of responsibility: Communications, Brand and Stakeholder Relations
Employment history: employed by Kesko Corporation since 2015. Kesko Corporation's Executive Vice President, Communications 2017-. Kesko grocery trade, Vice President, Communications 2015-2017.  Metso Corporation: Vice President, Global Brand and Marketing 2013-2015; Vice President, Marketing and Communications 2009-2013; Communications Manager 2005-2009. Pohjoisranta Burson-Marsteller Oy: Communications Consultant 2000-2005.
Member of the Group Management Board since: 1 October 2020.

Kesko shares held:
31 December 2021: 16,344 B shares.
31 December 2022: 25,182 B shares.

Matti Virtanen was President for car trade and member of the Group Management Board until 31 May 2023.
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