Finnlines appoints new CFO and updates Executive Committee’s responsibilities
Finnlines announced on 19 December 2024 that Thomas Doepel had been appointed as the President and CEO of Finnlines Plc, effective on 1 March 2025. Following this, Finnlines has appointed a new CFO and updated the Executive Committee’s responsibilities.
Santeri Laakso has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a member of the Executive Committee of Finnlines Plc as of 1 March 2025. In his new role, Mr. Laakso will report to Thomas Doepel, President and CEO, Finnlines Plc.
Santeri Laakso is currently responsible for Finnlines finance department as a Head of Group Finance. He has extensive experience in Finnlines’ business, and in-depth knowledge of financial management. Santeri Laakso has been working at Finnlines since 2002.
Finnlines’ Executive Committee roles and responsibilities (effective 1 March 2025):
Thomas Doepel taking over as President and CEO, will lead Finnlines’ Executive Committee and continue being directly responsible for Finnlines Ship Management. In addition, Mr. Doepel will assume direct responsibility for Group Quality and Group Communication.
Santeri Laakso will join the Executive Committee as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In his role as CFO, Mr. Laakso will assume responsibility for Group Finance and Treasury, Group Analytics and Business Controlling, Group IT, and Group Purchasing.
Merja Kallio-Mannila will continue in her current role as Head of Group Sales, Customer Service and Marketing.
Torkel Saarnio will continue in his current role as Head of Truck and Trailer Segment, as well as Line Manager for Hansalink, Rostock and Aarhus traffics.
Antonio Raimo will continue in his current role as Line Manager for Nordölink, Finnlink, Polishlink and Ireland traffics.
Marco Palmu will continue in his current role as Head of Passenger Services.
Suvi Niemivuo will continue in her current role as Head of Legal, Insurance and Claims. In addition, Mrs. Niemivuo will assume the responsibility for Finnlines shore-side Human Resources.
More information
Thomas Doepel
[email protected], +358 50 565 4273
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Finnlines Plc
Finnlines is a leading shipping operator of freight and passenger services in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Bay of Biscay. The company is a part of the Grimaldi Group, one of the world’s largest operators of ro-ro vessels and the largest operator of the Motorways of the Sea in Europe for both passengers and freight. This affiliation enables Finnlines to offer liner services to and from any destination in the Mediterranean, West Africa, North and South America as well as Asia and Australia.