Finland's main business organization has appointed Minna Helte as its new chief executive officer. She will replace current CEO Jyri Häkämies, who retires in May 2026. The organization's board confirmed Helte's appointment today.
Board chairman Aaro Cantell praised Helte's qualifications in a statement. He highlighted her deep experience with federation cooperation, advocacy work, and decision-making mechanisms. Cantell expressed confidence that Helte possesses excellent capabilities to continue the organization's strong work for Finnish business life and all citizens.
Helte brings extensive background in both labor and employer sectors. She previously served as a national conciliator before moving to Technology Industries of Finland in 2018. There she worked first as labor market director and later as deputy CEO. Her career also includes roles with white-collar trade unions STTK and Akava.
Her transition to the employer side includes notable involvement in the 2007 nurses' labor dispute. During that conflict, Helte represented nursing union Tehy as a negotiator in municipal sector wage and working condition talks. That episode also featured the Conservative Party's parliamentary election campaign focusing on nurse Sari, with key figures including current CEO Häkämies and current EK director Ilkka Oksala.
The timing of those agreements coincided with Finland's pre-financial crisis economic boom. Municipal sector labor costs rose approximately 12 percent over two years before the economic downturn.
Helte becomes the first woman to lead Finland's main business lobby and its predecessor organization. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Finnish business leadership. The gender breakthrough comes as Finland continues working toward greater equality in corporate leadership positions.
In her own statement, Helte described successful companies as the foundation of Finland's welfare. She emphasized the organization's crucial role as business advocate, accelerator of sustainable growth and renewal, and messenger for entrepreneurship and market economy. Helte called it a great honor to work for all Finnish business life.
The incoming CEO expressed strong enthusiasm for beginning her work alongside the organization's advocacy professionals and member federations. Her leadership transition occurs during challenging economic times for Finnish exports and industry.
Compensation levels show interesting progression in these top business positions. Current CEO Häkämies earned 430,000 euros annually last year. Helte received 320,000 euros in her Technology Industries role. The salary difference reflects both organizational scale and experience levels in these demanding positions.
This leadership change comes as Finnish businesses face multiple challenges. Export industries confront international competition while domestic companies navigate economic uncertainty. The new CEO's background in both labor and employer positions could prove valuable in upcoming collective bargaining rounds.
Finland's central labor market organizations play crucial roles in national economic policy. Their leaders influence everything from wage development to competitiveness policies. Helte's appointment signals continuity in the business community's approach to these critical issues.