NOKIA, Finland (Jan. 20, 2016) — Nokian Tyres P.L.C. has promoted a number of senior staff in a move designed to improve the distribution and the development and harmonization of processes.
Alexej von Bagh, managing director of Nokian's Vianor Holding Oy unit since 2010, will take over global responsibility for Nokian's process development, effective April 1. A Nokian employee since 2001, Mr. von Bagh will be responsible for process architecture and process development and be tasked with improving the mode of operations and overall business practices.
Nokian President and CEO Ari Lehtoranta cited Mr. von Bagh's success with Vianor for his promotion and said Nokian expects he will “take the planning and execution of the whole company's process architecture to the top level.”
Anna Hyvönen was hired to succeed Mr. von Bagh as head of Nokian's Vianor retail network and partner distribution, including the development of the company's partner distribution strategy, expansion of the partner network and management of the equity-owned Vianor chain.
She previously was responsible for North Central Europe at Ramirent P.L.C., a rental equipment group, and also worked for KONE P.L.C.
“Anna will bring a new perspective on developing Vianor service business. Her tremendous experience in global service businesses will give the company great benefit”, Mr. Lehtoranta said.
Andrei Pantioukhov, general manager for Nokian Tyres Russia, was appointed executive vice president, tasked with supporting the president and CEO in strategic initiatives and being a representative for the company. He also continues at Nokian Tyres Russia.
Mr. Lehtoranta said Nokian will benefit from Mr. Pantioukhov's global experience and know- how.
In addition, Juha Pirhonen, head of research and development, was appointed to the Nokian management team, and Heikki Mattsson will head up Nokian's information and communications technology function, responsible for quality, sustainability and ICT.