Finland’s largest grain handler appoints new CEO

(Posted on 03/07/23)

Jarkko Arrajoki (45) has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Suomen Viljava Oy. He will start in his new position during spring 2024.

Suomen Viljava Oy is Finland’s largest service company specialising in handling and storage of grain and agribulk products.

Jarkko Arrajoki currently works for Fazer as Vice President Fazer Mills. He leads the b2b business, R&D and supply chain in the Cereals Business Unit, covering both Finland and Sweden. Previously he has worked for Fazer Mills and Mylly Paras Oy in several key management positions in production, supply chain and purchasing. Arrajoki brings Viljava a wealth of experience in Finnish and international grain industry and milling business. For the past 20 years he has worked across the industry, successfully leading businesses and operations in changing environments, including developing and delivering world class customer service, products and services. “We are excited to have Jarkko as our new CEO. His knowledge and vast experience will further strengthen the execution of our strategy and the management of our special role in safeguarding the grain supply chain operations in Finland.”, comments Leena Laitinen, chairman of the board of Suomen Viljava. "I highly appreciate the work and service Viljava and its professional employees provide, therefore I am thrilled to join the Viljava-team. I look forward to continuing the good cooperation with our customers and partners, and believe that together we can build an even stronger Suomen Viljava for the future.”, replies Jarkko Arrajoki. Pasi Lähdetie, who has successfully led Suomen Viljava as CEO for the past 8 years, will retire autumn 2023. Markus Alholm will act as an interim-CEO until Jarkko Arrajoki starts in his position in spring 2024. "We want to thank Pasi for his great work and commitment in leading Viljava and wish him all the best for his well-deserved retirement days.”, wishes Laitinen. "It has been a privilege to lead Suomen Viljava. It's special role in safeguarding the Finnish grain supply chain operations is today more critical than ever and we have just finalised an extensive investment project to our new, state of the art oat mill in Rauma. I am confident that Jarkko will continue and further develop the good and important work we do.”, comments Lähdetie. “I want to thank all of our customers, partners and each member of our Viljava-team for all the good years we’ve shared.”, closes Lähdetie.

Suomen Viljava offer storage and handling services in the Finnish market and for companies that operate in export and import of grain from and to Finland. The company’s subsidiary Oat Mill Finland operates a state of the art oat mill in the Rauma port, producing and delivering best in class and sustainable oat ingredients to growing oats markets in Europe and Asia.