Esa Rautalinko new Executive in Residence at Hanken School of Economics

Esa Rautalinko, who holds a master of science degree from Turku School of Economics, has extensive experience from a range of industries, including defence, food, beverages, electronics, construction and wholesale. He has served as CEO of several companies, including Patria, Örum, Vaasan and Honkarakenne,  and worked as a partner at FIM. He has also worked in leadership positions at TeliaSonera, Hartwall and Nokia.

In addition, Rautalinko has held chairmanships at organisations such as VR, Nammo and Millog, and has also been a board member in several other organisations, including Technology Industries of Finland.

“I am excited to join Hanken as Executive in Residence. Hanken’s level of research is outstanding and it is supported by a vibrant community of people from the School, businesses and societal stakeholders. I look forward to putting my experience in use supporting Hanken and the Finnish business community in making their objectives materialise”, Rautalinko says.

Associate Professor Anna Aminoff says Hanken is delighted to welcome Esa Rautalinko.

“Esa has led companies through exactly the kind of supply chain and operational decisions our students study, and he knows what it takes to get things done across very different sectors. His broad leadership experience, combined with a network in the Finnish business community, makes him a natural bridge between academia and practice. We look forward to the perspectives he will bring to both our teaching and our engagement with companies and societal stakeholders”, says Aminoff.

The main task of the Executive in Residence is to support the development of teaching and research from a business perspective. Through their role, the person supports Hanken in developing the university's business and community relations.