Jouko Karvinen surprise choice for Stora Enso helm

Jukka Härmälä quits as CEO at end of March

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"The first three months I plan to spend listening to people and learning the ropes. I will meet with clients and company people and I will acquire knowledge from my predecessor Jukka Härmälä", says the newly appointed Stora Enso CEO Jouko Karvinen, 49, when asked of his plan of action.
     
Karvinen, who has made his career at ABB and Philips, was a complete dark horse to take the post as the head of the paper giant.
      Apparently nobody had placed their bets on Karvinen to become the successor of Härmälä, who piloted the company for nearly 20 years. Karvinen's experiences with the paper industry date back to when he was the head of ABB's automation division. In those days the paper industry was among the most important clients of ABB, a manufacturer of automation and power technologies.
     
The new CEO openly admits that he has got a lot to learn. When speaking of Stora Enso's future, Karvinen chooses his words carefully.
      "Today I only want to say that all the already announced measures will be completed without delay."
      Karvinen is referring to the massive economic restructuring measures in prospect, which include the closing down of certain mills.
     
In Karvinen the Stora Enso Board of Directors, who were responsible of his appointment, saw the right kind of force of renewal that would improve the company's recent lamentable profitability.
      "He is equipped with the qualities needed in the position. He will bring global experience, a strong commitment to innovation, and a track record of improving profitability in the businesses he has managed", said a delighted Claes Dahlbäck, Chairman of the Stora Enso Board of Directors.
     
According to Dahlbäck, Karvinen was found through networking and the use of professional scouts.
      Dahlbäck himself has been the trusted man of the Swedish family Wallenberg for decades and he knows many people, for example at ABB. "Karvinen has a very good reputation there", Dahlbäck explains.
      Jouko Karvinen will join Stora Enso on January 1st and will take up the position of CEO following the Annual General Meeting at the end of March.
      According to Karvinen, the decision to join Stora Enso was easy. "When I was asked, it took me exactly a week to make up my mind. To be the CEO of a large exchange-listed company is what I want to do."
      Jukka Härmälä, who is retiring, will be at his successor's disposal in an advisory role until the end of August 2007.
      Before this autumn, the two men had never met.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  French paper workers stage protest against Stora Enso in Paris (28.9.2006)

Links:
  Stora Enso Press Release

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