Helsinki / FI. (fg) Fazer Group´s strategy is based on increased profitability and international growth by utilising its strong brands. It aims at a turnover of two billion EUR during the next few years. Fazer strengthens its know-how by nominating two new professionals with international credit into the Group Management team: M.Sc. Econ. Pekka Rantala has been nominated Managing Director of Fazer Bakeries + Confectionery business area and M.Sc.Techn. Mika Videman SVP, Human Resources of Fazer Group.
Pekka Rantala, who has strong experience in leading international business operations, marketing and building brand recognition, will start as Managing Director of Fazer Bakeries + Confectionery business area on 01 September 2011. Rantala has wide experience in managing an international and rapidly changing business and marketing especially in Europe, Russia and other CIS countries.
Mika Videman started as SVP, Human Resources of Fazer Group on 01 August 2011. He has had a long career in Nokia´s different business units and in his own consulting company. Videman has strong experience in change management in an international environment and a wide business background.
Growth in international markets
During the past few years, great changes have taken place in the food industry. A growing demand for food and uncertainty in the raw material market have caused a significant increase in raw material prices. Also the needs of customers and consumers have changed. The competitive environment is also rapidly changing, so Fazer must have the capacity to overhaul and develop its operations.
In 2010, Fazer succeeded in increasing its turnover and significantly improving profitability. The success was based on strong brands, best-selling products and a strong position on main markets.
«Fazer´s growth will increasingly come from international markets and new product and service concepts by harnessing its strong brands. One of our goals is to continue to grow and to further strengthen our market position especially outside Finland. In order to achieve this, we will need international experience, strong strategic skills and HR management. The new Management team members complete our team with their versatile know-how and I trust that together we will be able to coach Fazer towards our challenging targets», President and CEO of Fazer Group Karsten Slotte sums it up.
Fazer´s Group Management Team members as of 01 September:
- Karsten Slotte, President and CEO
- Jouni Grönroos, Executive Vice President + CFO – finance, IT, investment management, legal affairs, M+A, strategy process, security
- Iris Karjula, Managing Director, Fazer Food Services
- Pekka Rantala, Managing Director, Fazer Bakeries + Confectionery
- Markku Numminen, SVP, strategic sales development
- Ulrika Romantschuk, SVP, communications and stakeholder relations, corporate responsibility, corporate and brand identity
- Mika Videman, SVP, human resources
Teija Andersen and Pekka Heinänen leave Fazer
Teija Andersen, responsible for strategic marketing in Fazer, has decided to leave her post on 01 July after 26 years at Fazer. Andersen has broad experience in management and marketing in different parts of the Group. Andersen wishes to dedicate more time to her family, working in Boards of Directors and consulting.
Fazer Group´s SVP, Human Resources Pekka Heinänen has decided to take on new challenges outside the company and has therefore left his position as SVP, HR at Fazer per 31 July. Heinänen has worked in the Group since 2004.
