Valmet Executive Leadership Team Member Sami Riekkola to Leave Company

Valmet announced that Sami Riekkola, Executive Vice President of the Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area and a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team, will leave the company to pursue an opportunity outside Valmet. His final day with the company will be no later than January 22, 2027.

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

Riekkola has been a member of Valmet’s Executive Leadership Team since 2018 and has led the Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area since July 2025. Before assuming his current role, he headed Valmet’s Pulp and Energy business line and served as President of the company’s Automation Systems business line from 2018 to 2022.

President and CEO Thomas Hinnerskov thanked Riekkola for his contributions during his 28-year career with the company, noting that he held several leadership positions across Valmet’s biomaterial and automation businesses and played a role in strengthening the company’s technology offering and customer relationships.

Riekkola said it had been a privilege to work with Valmet’s global team, customers, and partners throughout his career. Reflecting on his time at the company, he said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve in a range of roles, from automation engineering and customer projects to business leadership, and expressed appreciation for the collaboration and support he received over the years. He also wished Valmet and its customers continued success as he prepares to take on new challenges.