This is Us

The Port of Helsinki’s approximately 110 employees are responsible for the port’s business operations, infrastructure development and tasks relating to finance, human resources, communications and information management. The organisation comprises six departments, whose work is led by the Chief Executive Officer together with the Management Team.

Departments

Passenger Services

Passenger Services is responsible for the Port’s passenger services and property development, the development and conceptualisation of passenger services, vessel traffic and related services, and security at the city centre harbours.

Technical Services

The department’s main task is to manage the Port’s physical infrastructure and ensure its responsible maintenance and development. The department designs, builds and maintains structures within the port area, such as quays and yards, and is also responsible for planning traffic arrangements and land use, as well as managing the licensing processes for environmental matters.

Communications

Communications is responsible for the Port of Helsinki’s corporate image, external and internal communications, communications relating to the development programme and public relations. The importance of the Port in Finnish people’s everyday lives, travel and the logistics of foreign trade is highlighted through a variety of communication channels, meetings and events.

Cargo Services

Cargo Services is responsible for the movement of goods through the Port at all harbours. The department creates a functional framework for foreign trade, logistics and business, and ensures that freight customers receive smooth, efficient and secure services.

Finance and information management

The department is responsible for the company’s financial management, provides clear and up-to-date information to support decision-making and develops digital solutions for use across the organisation.

People & culture

At the heart of the department are the Port of Helsinki’s staff and their smooth day-to-day working life. The department works to support supervisory work and develop leadership and corporate culture, so that the entire organisation can succeed together. The department is responsible for areas such as recruitment, the development of the employer image and skills, and wellbeing at work.

Management

Mr. Ville Haapasaari, CEO

Ville is responsible for the Port of Helsinki’s operations as a whole and heads the company’s Management Team. Previously, Haapasaari held positions including Director of Finavia’s Helsinki Airport and business and sales management positions at Finnlines. He serves as Chair of the Board of the Finnish Ports Association and also chairs the boards of Port of Loviisa Ltd and South Finland Port Service Ltd.

Mr. Vesa Marttinen, VP Cargo Services

Vesa heads up the Cargo Services department, which has around 15 staff members and comprises four teams. The department creates a functional framework for foreign trade, logistics and business, and ensures that freight customers receive smooth, efficient and secure services. Before joining the Port of Helsinki, Marttinen worked in positions including Transformation Leader and Adviser at MarineCycles, Managing Director of Turku Repair Yard and Director of Environmental Solutions at Wärtsilä. He serves as a member of the board of Port of Loviisa Ltd.

Mr. Kaj Takolander, VP Passenger Services

Kaj heads up the Passenger Services department, which has around 20 staff members and comprises four teams. The department is responsible for the operations, properties, customer experience, services and security of passenger harbours. Takolander previously held positions including various management roles in sales and marketing at Viking Line, VP of Passenger Services at Finnlines and Managing Director of Copterline.

Mr. Pekka Hellström, VP Technical Services

Pekka heads up the Technical Services department, which has nearly 50 staff members and comprises four teams. The department is responsible for the maintenance and building of port structures, fairways, harbour areas and machinery, and for planning traffic and land use. The Sustainability and HSEQ team supports our operational activities and development. The department also oversees a project organisation responsible for the redevelopment of West Harbour, employing over 100 experts. Hellström has been working at the Port of Helsinki since 2012 in various development and project roles.

Mr. Mika Alava, VP Finances

Mika heads up the Finance and Information department, which has around 20 staff members and comprises three teams. The department is responsible for finance, funding, IT management and group affairs. Prior to joining the Port of Helsinki, Mika served as Chief Financial Officer at companies including Infinited Fiber Company, NordFuel and Fennovoima. He serves as a member of the board of Purmo Projects Oy.

Mrs. Katja Riikola, VP People & Culture

Katja heads up the four-person People and Culture department. The department is responsible for human resources management, the employee experience, the employer image, skills development and HR services. Before joining the Port of Helsinki, Katja held HR positions at organisations including the Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities, the University of Helsinki, Finnvera and Sweco. She serves as a member of the board of South Finland Port Service Ltd and as a member of Palta’s Labour Market Committee.

Mrs. Maira Kettunen, VP Communications

Maira heads up the six-person Communications department responsible for the Port of Helsinki’s communications and public relations. Prior to joining the Port of Helsinki, Maira served as Communications Director at the Finnish Association of Private Care Providers, the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities and Fennovoima, and as Stakeholder Relations Manager at Helen. She serves as a member of the board of Port of Loviisa Ltd.