VAK Group to appoint new CEO in February 2025

Photo: Kuvatehdas/ Roni Lehti.

Ilpo Korhonen, who has served as CEO of VAK Group since 2018, will resign in February 2025 and continue his career as a board professional.

“It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and strategy of this family-owned business. Although the operating environment has been challenging at times, we have succeeded in promoting and implementing key strategic goals through strong teamwork. I want to thank the Board of Directors for their trust, and the Management Team and the Group’s personnel for their good cooperation,” says Ilpo Korhonen.

Pekka Kuusniemi, 56, M.Sc (Econ), has been invited to serve as the new CEO of VAK Group,

effective February 3, 2025. Kuusniemi brings nearly two decades of experience in leadership roles of Oras Group and Raisio Plc.

“It’s great to have an industrial company in Southwest Finland that manufactures demanding technical installations that are also vital to society. I look forward to working with the dedicated team of nearly 600 colleagues in the fair and straightforward atmosphere of this family business,” says Pekka Kuusniemi.

“Under Ilpo Korhonen’s leadership, significant improvements have been carried out in the Group’s operating methods and the management of people and processes since 2018. These changes have enabled profitable growth in both the domestic and export markets. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Ilpo for his work in driving these changes. I’m also very pleased to welcome Pekka Kuusniemi, a highly experienced industrial leader, to lead our family business,” says Lassi Virtanen, Chair of the Board.

Further information

Lassi Virtanen +358 50 082 2153

Pekka Kuusniemi +358 50 537 3883

VAK Group is one of the most significant manufacturers of heavy-duty transport equipment in the Nordic countries. In addition to its plant in Vahto, the VAK Group has maintenance service points in six locations across Finland. The company’s production programme includes transport bodies, trailers and demountable bodies for trucks, among other products. The Group has nearly 600 employees, and its net sales in 2023 amounted to around EUR 108 million. The company is seeking Nordic growth, and it also includes the sales companies VAK Sverige Ab in Sweden and VAK Norge AS in Norway. Most recently, the Örebro Skåpservice Ab maintenance service point joined the Group in the autumn of 2024.