Known for her previous leadership posts in Finland's Chamber of Commerce, pharmaceutical provider Oriola and paint manufacturer Tikkurila, Elisa Markula has been unveiled as the new CEO of state railway firm VR.
Markula's appointment comes after the firing of previous CEO Lauri Sipponen in April. The railway company did not provide justification for the dismissal, at the time, which coincided with decisions taken regarding train traffic to and from Russia.
In a press release announcing her appointment, Markula wrote that VR has a crucial role as a responsible and customer-oriented travel, logistics and maintenance service company in Finland and Sweden.
"Rail and public transport is a growing industry, which is more sustainable compared to other forms of transport and contributes to society towards carbon neutrality," the release reads.
VR Group's board chair Kjell Forsén told Yle that the company's board focused on customer orientation, good leadership, ability to produce results and international business expertise in the search for a new executive.
"Elisa has extensive experience in consumer and corporate business both in Finland and internationally, especially in Sweden. She has successfully managed various businesses with a compassionate and inspiring touch," Forsén says.