ESPOO, FINLAND — Valmet announced that Sami Riekkola, Executive Vice President of the company’s Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area and a member of the Executive Leadership Team, will leave the company to pursue a new opportunity outside the organization.

Riekkola will remain in his current role until January 22, 2027, at the latest.

Nearly Three Decades at Valmet

Riekkola has spent 28 years with Valmet, holding a range of leadership positions across the company’s biomaterials and automation businesses.

He has been a member of Valmet’s Executive Leadership Team since 2018.

In July 2025, he was appointed Executive Vice President of the Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area. Prior to that, he led the company’s Pulp and Energy business line and served as President of Automation Systems between 2018 and 2022.

CEO Acknowledges Contributions

Valmet President and CEO Thomas Hinnerskov thanked Riekkola for his long service to the company.

According to Hinnerskov, Riekkola played an important role in strengthening Valmet’s technology offering and customer relationships through his leadership across multiple business areas.

Successor Search Begins

Valmet said the recruitment process for Riekkola’s successor will begin immediately.

The company did not announce an interim replacement or provide further details regarding the selection process.

Global Process Technology Supplier

Valmet supplies technologies, automation systems and services to process industries, supporting customers throughout the lifecycle of production facilities.

The company also provides flow control solutions and technologies for pulp, paper, energy and other industrial sectors.

In 2025, Valmet reported net sales of approximately EUR 5.2 billion.

Last Updated on 23/07/2026 by Jota Machinery