Kalle Härkki, Doctor of Science (Tech), has been appointed as the new President and CEO of VTT

Kalle Härkki has had a long international career in Outotec Oyj as leader of several business units. He has worked as the CEO of Outokumpu Research Oy / Outotec Research Oy and also in multiple global roles in sales, production and product development in Outokumpu Oyj. Additionally, Härkki has been the chairman or a member of the board in several companies and foundations, e.g. several years as a member of Helsinki Institute of Physics and a member of the board at Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation.

“It's great to have Kalle Härkki’s strong expertise to lead VTT and impactful innovations, thereby supporting the sustainable growth of all of Finland. Kalle has a strong and versatile experience in leading a research organisation and international business management in the technology sector. Additionally, he has deep scientific knowledge based on his doctoral degree in materials science. On behalf of VTT’s entire Board of Directors, I warmly welcome Kalle to the company and wish him all the best in the new position,” says Pekka Tiitinen, the Chair of the VTT Board.

“It is wonderful to become a part of VTT, which is a leading organisation in the innovation field in Finland and a strong actor internationally. At VTT, I am particularly interested in the opportunity to influence societally significant issues through diverse research and expertise. I look eagerly forward to starting at the company with a strong reputation and that is an attractive employer”, says Kalle Härkki.

VTT announced in January that its current President and CEO Antti Vasara will be leaving the company in the end of June. VTT’s Chief Financial Officer Vesa Leino will act as interim CEO during the transition period.