Nokian appoints new president, CEO

Later this year, Ari Lehtoranta will succeed Kim Gran at the helm of Nokian Tyres. Lehtoranta will join the tyre maker on 1 September and take over as president and CEO on 1 October. He is currently employed by Kone Corporation as executive vice-president, Central and North Europe. Kim Gran will continue in his current positions until 30 September and then use his option to retire. Gran has led the company since 1 September 2000. He will continue to be a member of the Nokian Tyres’ Boad of Directors.

”Ari Lehtoranta has strong international management experience and a track record of achieving profitable results together with the organisation. I am confident that under his leadership Nokian Tyres will be continuing to execute the successful strategy of profitable growth,” said Petteri Walldén, chairman of the Board of Directors.

“At this point I want to thank Kim Gran for his excellent work at Nokian Tyres. During his 14 years on helm Nokian Tyres has become the most profitable tyre manufacturer in the world. The owners have witnessed the company’s share value grow tenfold and the excellent profit levels have enabled generous dividend policy. I am very happy that the company can utilise his unique expertise in the Board work,” Walldén continued.

“I am looking forward to the new challenge,” commented Lehtoranta. “My target, together with the experienced management team, is to continue and write new chapters to the success story of Nokian Tyres. I am confident that we will be able to further develop the business and meet the strategic goals of the company also in the future.”