TUOMO LÄHDESMÄKI
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tuomo-lähdesmäki-33234/
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Finnish business executive and professional board member with extensive experience in leading global technology companies, listed boards and major foundations. Strong background in international business, governance and strategic transformation, supported by CEO roles in telecoms, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Brings long-term board leadership across listed companies, private equity and influential roles in the Finnish foundation sector.
BOARD VALUE PROPOSITION
• Broad experience in listed company governance, board leadership and active ownership across technology, industry and services
• Proven track record in CEO and board roles driving strategic renewal, value creation, international expansion and organisational transformation
• Deep involvement in the foundation sector as well as academic and public institutions, with a commitment to societal impact, ethics and good governance
SELECTED BOARD EXPERIENCE
Chair, Kitron ASA (2014– ) – Leading Nordic electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company listed on Oslo Børs. Oversaw significant growth and transformation of a listed Nordic EMS company with global operations.
Founding Partner, Boardman Oy (2002– ) – Competence network advancing governance and active ownership in Finnish listed and private companies
Chair, Association of Finnish Foundations (2012–21) – Led the Finnish foundation sector and advanced governance standards for grant-giving foundations
Chair, Turku University Foundation (1995–2021) – Strengthened financial position and societal impact of one of Finland’s major academic foundations
Board Member, Amer Sports Oyj (2000–08) – Leading global sporting goods group (e.g. Wilson, Atomic, Salomon, Arc’teryx, Peak Performance), formerly listed on Nasdaq Helsinki
Chair, Aspocomp Group Oyj (2002–16) – High-technology PCB company listed on Nasdaq Helsinki; served as Chair (2003–14)
Board roles in major listed companies including Orion, Citycon and Scanfil, contributing to
business development, governance and growth (2001–19)
Board Member, Vaaka Partners (2010–18) – Finnish private equity firm focusing on midmarket
value creation
Board Member, Yliopiston Apteekki (2010–19) – Finland’s largest pharmacy chain, owned
by the University of Helsinki
Additional board and supervisory roles in listed companies, private equity, foundations and
public institutions.
EXECUTIVE CAREER SUMMARY
President & CEO, Elcoteq Network Oyj (1997–2001) – Led globally operating EMS company
listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange
President & CEO, Leiras Oy (1991–97) – Headed international Finnish research-based
pharmaceutical company including global launch of the blockbuster Mirena product (now
Bayer Finland)
Executive Roles, Nokia Mobile Phones (1983–89) – Including EVP of NMT Division; played a
key role in the expansion of mobile communications and reaching global market leadership
General Manager, Swatch Group (1990–91) – Senior role at the world-leading Swiss watch
manufacturer with approximately 20 global brands
EDUCATION
Stanford Executive Program (SEP), Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, USA
(2000)
MBA, INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France (1990)
M.Sc. (Electrical and Electronics Engineering), Helsinki University of Technology (1984)
National Defence Course, Finnish National Defence University (1994)
HONOURS & AWARDS
Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland (2022)
Life Senior Member, IEEE – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2022)
Additional honours awarded.