Maria Fyrstén appointed as Finavia’s Senior Vice President, HR

Maria moves to Finavia from Fazer Group, where she has worked in various businesses as the director responsible for personnel matters since 2015. Previously, Maria has also worked in international HR management positions at Fiskars and as a consultant and a manager responsible for personnel development at Capgemini. In addition, she has worked at the Tampere University of Technology as a researcher and in teaching positions. At Finavia, Maria Fyrstén will report to CEO Kimmo Mäki.

“At Finavia, we consider it to be important that our personnel are at the core of our strategy. Maria has extensive experience and insight in various areas of HR management, and I am confident that under her leadership we will be able to take the goals of our company and our HR work forward with determination,” says CEO Kimmo Mäki.

Finavia Group provides services to airlines and passengers. The company employs 2,530 professionals in various roles related to the operation, maintenance and development of 20 airports across Finland.

“I look forward to supporting Finavia in its strategic goals as a Senior Vice President, HR. Finavia’s personnel perform great, professional work for smooth travel in many different roles. I also consider it to be important that the company wants to be an increasingly diverse workplace in the future. I’m excited to be able to help the company implement its strategy in a unique, international and constantly evolving operating environment,” Maria Fyrstén says.

When Maria starts, Kaarina Soikkanen, who has worked as Finavia’s Senior Vice President, HR for a long time, will retire. Soikkanen started working at Finavia in 1988 and has been the company’s Personnel Director since 2008.

“On behalf of the entire company, I would like to warmly thank Kaarina for her commitment and her long, distinguished career with us. Kaarina’s humane way of working and considerable experience have been very valuable during the rapid changes in the aviation industry. We wish Kaarina the best of luck for her future endeavours,” says Kimmo Mäki.

Kaarina Soikkanen’s last working day at Finavia will be 31 June 2024.