Changes in Aktia Bank Plc's Executive Committee - stronger business area representation
Aktia Bank Plc
Stock exchange release
22 April 2026 at 8.30 a.m.
Changes in Aktia Bank Plc's Executive Committee - stronger business area representation
Aktia Bank Plc advances its growth strategy by reforming its organisation. The composition of Aktia's Executive Committee will change, and the company's operations will be organised according to the updated Executive Committee responsibilities. The changes will enter into force on 1 May 2026.
The banking business area will be restructured into two segments: private customer business and corporate customer business, and the directors of these business areas will be appointed members of the bank's Executive Committee. In the future, all of Aktia's business areas, i.e. private customers, corporate customers, asset management and life insurance, will be represented in the company's Executive Committee.
Karin Rekola, Master of Science in Economics and Business Adminstration and Master of Social Sciences, has been appointed as Director in charge of the Private Customer business area and member of the Executive Committee. Rekola has been working at Aktia since 2021 in positions with profit and loss responsibility in the private customer business, leading, for example, the Operations Unit and the Personal Banking customer segment. Her customer-oriented and operational leadership has delivered solid results that have strengthened the growth of the banking business. In addition, Rekola has extensive experience in developing digital services.
Ilari Abdeen, Master of Science in Economics and Business Adminstration, has been appointed the Director in charge of the Corporate Customers business area and member of the Executive Committee. Abdeen has been the CEO of Kivra Oy since 2020 and before that held managerial positions at Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company and OP Corporate Bank plc. Abdeen has a strong background in financial services, which are at the core of Aktia's strategy, and has, among other things, been involved in building Finland's leading asset finance business. Abdeen has a strong track record in technology and digital business scalability, bringing key new expertise to Aktia. Abdeen will start at Aktia on 1 September 2026 at the latest. During the transition period the duties will be carried out by the current Director in charge of the Corporate Customer Business Anu Vainio, after which she will take over responsibility for Premium and Personal Banking customers in the private customer business area.
Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Committee Sakari Järvelä is appointed Deputy CEO of Aktia.
"It is a pleasure to welcome Karin Rekola and Ilari Abdeen to Aktia's Executive Committee. The changes support Aktia's strategy focusing on growth. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, as sustainable growth is built on genuine customer value, high-quality solutions, and long-term partnership. The success of our customers is the basis for our growth," says CEO Anssi Huhta.
As part of the restructuring, the teams in the Group Business Support unit, responsible for Aktia's Group functions, will be integrated into the business areas and the company's other functions. The aim of the change is to further strengthen the business operations and customer focus. Sini Kivekäs, who has been responsible for Group Business Support, has decided to move on to new challenges outside the Group.
"With her broad expertise and strong leadership, Sini Kivekäs has played a key role in developing Aktia's Group functions and their support to the business areas. I would like to express my sincere thanks for her contribution and wish her all the best and success in her next chapter", says Anssi Huhta.
As of 1 May 2026, Aktia's Executive Committee consists of:
- Anssi Huhta, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Sakari Järvelä, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Deputy to the CEO
- Pasi Vuorinen, Executive Vice President, Asset Management
- Karin Rekola, Executive Vice President, Private Customer Business
- Anu Vainio, Acting Executive Vice President, Corporate Customer Business
- Ville Niiranen, CEO of Aktia Life Insurance Ltd.
- Eva-Maria Broman-Rimpi, Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
- Oskari Kurki, Chief Information Officer (CIO)
The appointments are conditional on the Financial Supervisory Authority not having any objections to the appointments.
Aktia is currently in a silent period and will comment on the appointments as well as its financial performance and outlook after the publication of the interim report on 30 April 2026. The results presentation will begin at 10.30 a.m. the same day. The event can be followed via a live webcast or as a recording after the event at https://aktia.events.inderes.com/q1-2026.
Aktia Bank Plc
Further information:
Mia Smeds, Director of Communications, Tel. +358 44 546 0379, Email viestinta (at) aktia.fi
Oscar Taimitarha, Director of Investor Relations, Tel. +358 40 562 2315, Email ir (at) aktia.fi
Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
Mass media
www.aktia.com
Aktia, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, is a growing Finnish financial group. Since 1826, our mission has been to safeguard and increase the wealth and well-being of our customers and society as a whole. Our operations are based on strong values, long-term commitment, and trust. We provide expert, personal support to our customers across Finland, helping them develop their finances and build prosperity across generations. Our award-winning asset management business also sells investment funds internationally.
Our strong business model is based on complementary wealth management, life insurance, and banking services. We employ approximately 825 people around Finland. Aktia's gross assets under management (AuM) on 31 December 2025 amounted to EUR 16.6 billion and the balance sheet total was EUR 12.0 billion. Aktia's share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd (AKTIA). Read more about Aktia: aktia.com.