Marko Hakovirta appointed as Metropolia’s new President and CEO

The Board of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences has appointed Marko Hakovirta, PhD, MBA, as the new President and CEO. He joins Metropolia from his position as CEO of Helsinki Innovation Services Ltd, where he has been responsible for the commercialisation of research at the University of Helsinki.

Marko Hakovirta has extensive international experience in university and corporate leadership, as well as in the development of research and innovation activities. He is also a Professor of Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development at the University of Helsinki and has previously served as a professor and department chair in the United States. In the corporate sector, he has held senior roles in innovation and technology management at Stora Enso and the Metso Group.

“Metropolia’s Board reached its decision unanimously. Marko Hakovirta will be an inspiring and highly capable leader who will steer one of Finland’s largest higher education institutions forward − both as a high‑quality education and research organisation and as a strategically managed company entering its next phase of growth,” says Ilona Lundström, Chair of Metropolia’s Board.

Marko Hakovirta says that Metropolia made a strong impression on him during the recruitment process.

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me, and I am confident that Metropolia’s story will continue successfully. Metropolia is deeply rooted in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, where we influence people’s everyday lives and address real challenges in working life. At the same time, Metropolia is part of international networks that bring global perspectives and partnerships to our community. This combination − strong regional relevance and a global outlook − makes Metropolia a world‑class higher education institution,” Hakovirta says.

Marko Hakovirta will assume his duties as President and CEO of Metropolia on 1 September 2026.

President and CEO Riitta Konkola, who has had a long and distinguished career at Metropolia, will retire on 31 August 2026.

Further information

Ilona Lundström
Chair of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences’ Board
+358 46 920 2344
firstname.lastname [at] gmail.com (firstname[dot]lastname[at]gmail[dot]com)

Liisa Salo
Communications Manager
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
+358 50 363 7048
firstname.lastname [at] metropolia.fi (firstname[dot]lastname[at]metropolia[dot]fi)