Niklas Kankkonen from Kokkola will become the CEO of Vitec Raisoft at the beginning of December 2024. He is already familiar with the company.
Robert Åström, who has led the company since its inception in 2000, will retire after a transition period.
– I first started working at Raisoft in 2014. Five years later, I took on the challenge offered by Ahola Transport, moving from COO at Raisoft to CFO at Ahola. Raisoft stayed firmly in the back of my mind, and even then, I thought that a return might one day be possible if the opportunity presented itself, Kankkonen explains.
Kankkonen graduated with a Master's degree in Economics from Åbo Akademi in 2007. During his exchange year in Canada, he met his wife-to-be, Bonnie. After years in Sweden and Canada, the family settled in Kokkola in 2011. The family has twins born in 2014 and 2016.
– Nowadays, I coach my two children's football team. We are also involved in music, and our older daughter already competes with a horse. I haven't been a football referee in recent years; I prefer playing football with my own children rather than refereeing.
Kankkonen looks forward to his new role in the company, which changed its name to Vitec Raisoft in the fall of 2022. The return involves both many new and familiar aspects.
– I particularly missed the international and very diverse work environment at Raisoft. Many languages, people, and backgrounds. It is a great wealth. I will enjoy returning to a genuinely global work community, customer, and collaboration network.
In the future Kankkonen sees a lot of opportunities for Vitec Raisoft, especially in the international markets and through Vitec's network
– A lot of opportunities are opening in different markets and a lot has already been done, there is plenty of further development. I want to move things forward; I want things to happen. Experience and age have certainly also brought me a better understanding of the importance of focus as the key to success. I don't want us to try to do everything at once, instead focus on the important issues and do them as best as we can.
– My main feeling is excitement and anticipation to start. I look forward to getting to know Raisoft again and meeting new colleagues. And of course, I look forward to Raisoft's Christmas party!
Vitec Software Group's VPO Pia Kantola and outgoing CEO Robert Åström are also very pleased with the appointment.
– I am delighted that Niklas will start as the new CEO of Vitec Raisoft. He is an international and experienced leader who knows the industry and the company well. He has an exciting journey ahead to grow Vitec Raisoft into an international success story, says Pia Kantola.
– I can leave Vitec Raisoft in Niklas's hands with peace of mind. This is the best possible solution, concludes Robert Åström.