Changes in the Executive Board of PKC Group

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

PKC strengthens its executive board with new appointments and realignment of leadership.

New appointments:

Mrs. Julie Bellamy, born 1962, BA, has been appointed Group Senior Vice President, Human Resources. She will be responsible for leading and further developing human resource excellence within PKC globally. Most recently, Mrs. Bellamy has served as the VP, Human Resources, PKC North America.

Mr. Vesa Vähämöttönen, born 1966, Licenciate in Technology, has been appointed Group Senior Vice President, Business Development. His responsibilities will include quality, risk management, technology and various global initiatives to develop PKC’s operations. Mr. Vähämöttönen has previously worked at Efore Oyj where he served as President and CEO.

Mr. Andre Gerstner, born 1977, Industrial Engineering studies, has been appointed President, Rolling Stock Business. He will have global responsibility for leading and further developing PKC’s business for rolling stock customer segment. Mr. Gerstner has previously served as President and CEO of Groclin S.A.

Realignments:

Mr. Jyrki Keronen, currently Senior Vice President for Business Development and APAC, will hand over his business development responsibilities to Mr. Vähämöttönen. Mr. Keronen will be responsible for leading and developing PKC business in the Asia/Pacific region as President, Wiring Systems, APAC.

Ms. Sanna Raatikainen will continue as General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Directors and will report to CFO Juha Torniainen. Mr. Jarmo Rajala will continue as President, Electronics and will report to President & CEO Matti Hyytiäinen and will be responsible for leading and developing PKC’s Electronics business.

With these changes, the new PKC Executive Board is comprised of:

• Matti Hyytiainen, President & CEO, Chairman of Executive Board
• Julie Bellamy, Group Senior Vice President, Human Resources
• Andre Gerstner, President, Rolling Stock Business
• Jyrki Keronen, President, Wiring Systems, APAC                      
• Jani Kiljala, President, Wiring Systems, Europe and South America
• Frank Sovis, President, Wiring Systems, North America
• Juha Torniainen, CFO
• Vesa Vähämöttönen, Group Senior Vice President, Business Development

All Executive Board members will report directly to Matti Hyytiainen.

“I’m pleased to announce today these changes in which we strengthen our management capabilities and capacity to execute PKC 2018 strategy. These changes will enable us to capture both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. In order to continue to deliver industry leading services to our customers and to improve our profitability, new initiatives in the areas of technology, manufacturing and people management are brought forward. PKC business is a people business and with enhanced focus on leadership skills and organizational effectiveness, we will strengthen our position as an employer of choice within the industry. I’m confident that with these changes, PKC is moving firmly towards our 2018 strategy targets,” states President & CEO Matti Hyytiäinen.

The changes will be valid from 6 August 2015 onwards.

About PKC Group

PKC Group is a global partner, designing, manufacturing and integrating electrical distribution systems, electronics and related architecture components for the commercial vehicle industry, rolling stock manufacturers and other selected segments. The Group has production facilities in Brazil, China, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Serbia and the USA. The Group's revenue in 2014 totalled EUR 829.5 million. PKC Group Plc is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.