Kesko signs a historically large set of IT service agreements – new strategic partnerships to support K Group’s growth and transformation
The multi-year partnership agreements will cover almost all K Group information technology service areas, including application management services, SAP services, cyber security, AI solutions, capacity and integration services as well as user services.
”IT plays a key role in our business transformation and customer experience development. With these strategic partnerships, we will ensure access to the best possible resources and expertise, which will support K Group’s growth and competitiveness also going forward,” says Anu Hämäläinen, Kesko’s Chief Financial Officer.
”This is the biggest IT services transformation in Kesko's history. It enables us to build an even more agile and technologically advanced IT operating model that will allow, for example, more extensive utilisation of AI, increased level of automation, and strong information security,” says Arto Hiltunen, Kesko’s CIO.
Through the new partnerships, Kesko will strengthen its position as a forerunner in digital development. The partnerships will enable faster adoption of new technologies, including AI-based customer solutions, intelligent automation, and scalable cloud services. The objective is to offer the best digital shopping experience for Kesko customers and data-driven business support to Kesko divisions.
Further information:
Arto Hiltunen, CIO, Kesko Corporation, tel. +358 50 306 4065
Kesko and K-retailers together form K Group, whose retail sales total around €16 billion. K Group is the leading trading sector operator in Northern Europe and it employs approximately 39,000 people. Kesko operates in grocery trade, building and technical trade, and car trade. Its divisions and chains act in close cooperation with retailer entrepreneurs and other partners. Kesko's net sales total around €12 billion and Kesko employs approximately 18,000 people. Kesko’s chain operations include approximately 1,700 stores in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Kesko’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. The company's domicile and main premises are in Helsinki. www.kesko.fi
