Lauri Kivinen appointed as Director General of YLE

M.Sc. (Economics) Lauri Kivinen, 48, has been appointed to the new Director General of YLE. YLE’s Board of Directors decided about the appointment in its meeting today 18.2.2010.

Currently Lauri Kivinen works as the Head of the Corporate Affairs function at Nokia Siemens Networks, being responsible for public relations and corporate responsibility. Previously, he has occupied several leading positions in Nokia, among others within communications.

The process of appointing the Director General took about a year. The Board of Directors screened dozens of candidates found by an external recruitment company specialized in recruiting management. ”YLE searched for a professional manager to successfully lead a modern public service company into the future”, says Kari Neilimo, Chairman of YLE Board of Directors.

”Lauri Kivinen’s broad experience in leading, acquired in the area of communications, as well as his international experience and knowledge about the interest groups were decisive elements”, says Neilimo.

As provided in the YLE Law, the Board of Directors of YLE decided for the first time on the appointment of the Director General.

”The board of Directors thanks Mikael Jungner for his excellent work in renewing the company. YLE continues as a modern public service company in line with the strategy the current Director General created.”

Jungner’s mandate as Director General of YLE expires according to the agreement on 30.4.2010.