K-rauta retailer Seppo Paalasmaa appointed Vice President responsible for Rautakesko’s international projects

Seppo Paalasmaa, 50, M.Sc. (Tech.), has been appointed Vice President responsible for Rautakesko’s international projects with effect from 1 September 2007. Paalasmaa currently acts as a K-retailer at K-rauta Merituuli in Espoo. Paalasmaa has been previously employed by Kesko in 1983-1994.

“During the last few years, Rautakesko has experienced a rapid internationalisation and its growth in Finland has exceeded that of the market. In accordance with our strategy, the focal growth areas continue to include the Nordic and Baltic countries and Russia. Seppo Paalasmaa’s diversified expertise will significantly contribute to our international operations,” says Jari Lind, President of Rautakesko.

Seppo Paalasmaa has a wide experience in the retailing of building and home improvement products. Rautakesko’s retail chain stores are run by retailer-entrepreneurs or Rautakesko. The retailer-entrepreneur business model is used in Finland and Norway.

Rautakesko is engaged in the building and home improvement trade through the K-rauta, Rautia, Byggmakker and Senukai retail chains. In 2006, the retail sales of the K-Group’s building and home improvement stores totalled €3,083 million, representing an increase of 46.5%. 64% of the retail sales were generated outside Finland. At the end of 2006, Rautakesko employed 7,420 people, 96% of whom outside Finland. Rautakesko operates in the Nordic and Baltic countries and Russia.

Further information:
Jari Lind, President, Rautakesko Ltd, tel. +358 1053 20200
Seppo Paalasmaa, retailer, K-rauta Merituuli, tel. +358 50 1922

Kesko (www.kesko.fi) is a retail specialist whose stores raise the quality of consumers’ everyday lives by offering highly-appreciated products and services at competitive prices. Kesko operates in the Nordic and Baltic countries and Russia.