Seppo RonkainenLEADERSHIP · GROWTH · PEOPLE
FI
SEPPO RONKAINENCEO & BUSINESS LEADER

Clear direction.
Strong team.
Lasting results.

Seppo Ronkainen

I am at my best when the direction is clear but delivering the strategy calls for change. I bring people together to put strategy into practice and build operating models that deliver lasting results.

Explore my resultsLet’s connect
26 years
Building international growth
€250 M
Maximum P&L responsibility
850 people
Largest organisations led
  • Outotec
  • Wärtsilä
  • Kopar
  • Sarlin
  • Alligo
01 / RESULTSEXECUTION MATTERS

The results
in numbers.

Three examples of what clear priorities and working together can achieve.

ALLIGO FINLAND 2025
+10%Revenue growth in 2025

Growth in a challenging domestic market.

We established a shared commercial operating model for the Finnish business, strengthened key account management and introduced a clear management cadence. Revenue grew by around 10% in a very challenging market.

The sales management model developed in Finland was adopted as the basis for the sales management models in Sweden and Norway.

Progress after my tenure

Growth continued strongly after my tenure. Organic growth in Finland was 8.4% in H1/2026, and the adjusted EBITA margin reached 7.0% in Q2/2026.

Approx. €160M business · approx. 450 employees
SARLIN 2018–2022
0.5 → 1.2€MRevenue per salesperson

Sales productivity more than doubled.

We renewed the commercial operating model, developed the management team and clarified shared goals. Revenue per salesperson grew from €0.5 million to €1.2 million.

In international sales, we focused on selected markets and directed limited resources towards the most promising opportunities.

Approx. €29M business · approx. 100 employees
OUTOTEC EMEA SERVICES 2010–2015
€80M → €245MService business revenue, approx.

Profitable international growth.

We built growth by developing major customer accounts, strengthening local organisations and establishing a shared service operating model. The model was later selected as the global standard for other regions.

In 2015, EMEA Services contributed approximately €44M in EBITA out of Outotec’s total EBITA of €56M.

Services · key accounts · international growth
02 / MY APPROACH TO LEADERSHIPCLARITY · ACCOUNTABILITY · PEOPLE

My approach
to leadership.

Listen more. Speak less.

Seppo making a heart shape with his hands

I bring clarity to goals, responsibilities and decisions. Strategy turns into action through a consistent leadership cadence, follow-up and accountability.

I give people room to make decisions and expect ownership of results. I support the management team and organisation in operating effectively without the CEO’s constant involvement.

I listen first and challenge constructively. Through change, I maintain high expectations and open discussion so difficult issues can be raised early.

03 / OTHERS’ EXPERIENCESALLIGO · SARLIN · OUTOTEC

How others describe me as a leader

Five themes recur in the experiences of people who have worked with me across different companies, roles and countries.

Short excerpts from LinkedIn recommendations. Mikko’s quote is translated from Finnish; the other quotes retain their original wording.

Clarity and execution

A shared direction becomes results when priorities, responsibilities and the leadership cadence are clear. Tiina and Mikko describe how plans became practical action.

“Seppo is a leader who brings clarity to complex situations and translates strategy into clear priorities and practical action.”

Tiina HoviCommercial Director · Alligo Finland

“He brought clear rhythm and structure to our work, helping us focus on what mattered and move things forward with purpose.”

Mikko SairanenDirect report · Alligo · translated from Finnish

Freedom with accountability

Trust gives people room to make decisions. In Tamer’s experience, that freedom came with clear responsibility and commitment to agreed results.

“Seppo gave the team the freedom to operate with responsibility and accountability for delivering the promised results.”

Tamer EidColleague · Outotec

Developing people and teams

Stronger organisations are built by people who receive support to learn and opportunities to take on more responsibility. This is what Jiri highlights.

“Seppo has given me opportunities and support to grow and learn.”

Jiri ViholainenDirect report · Sarlin

Commercial performance

Leadership needs to create value for customers and show in business performance. Tiina connects better sales operating models with profitability and growth.

“I learned a great deal from Seppo about how improving sales operating models can drive both profitability and revenue growth.”

Tiina HoviCommercial Director · Alligo Finland

Calm leadership through change

Demanding markets call for clear direction and open discussion. Tomi describes a calm and approachable leader; Tiina highlights the collaborative atmosphere and psychological safety maintained through change.

“… calm, logical, forward thinking, strategic, but still easy to approach …”

Tomi RavattinenDirect report · Outotec
Seppo and the Alligo team at Alligo Competence Days
Alligo Competence Days 2024 - Together we are unbeatable
Group photo at Sarlin’s 90th anniversary celebration
Sarlin’s 90th anniversary celebration, 2022
04 / EXPERIENCEFROM TECHNOLOGY TO BUSINESS

International sales and business
at the heart of my career.

I have built international growth, developed digital services and renewed commercial operating models. I have developed major customer accounts, built export sales and distributor networks, and led local organisations and international service businesses.

My experience spans Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Far East and the Americas. I bring together customer understanding, market selection and local execution to build profitable growth.

Seppo wearing protective equipment during an industrial site visitSeppo in conversation at Sarlin’s 90th anniversary celebration
12/2022–06/2026

Alligo

Country Director Finland / Managing Director

Led a multichannel B2B business focused on the Finnish domestic market. Established a shared sales model and led teams across multiple locations.

2018–2022

Sarlin

CEO

Returned the business to profit, developed the management team and changed how the business was organised. Strengthened delivery and project operations, with a particular focus on safety culture.

OTHER LEADERSHIP ROLES

Leading change in different settings

Kopar · Wärtsilä · Rowize Consulting

An interim CEO role, developing innovation processes and running my own business.

2000–2016

Outotec (now part of Metso)

Technology, China and EMEA services

My roles covered technology development and commercialisation, building local sales and delivery operations in China, and leading the EMEA service business. I worked closely with major customers and developed a service operating model that was later adopted across other regions.

05 / BEYOND WORKTHE PERSON BEHIND THE ROLE

Time for
a change of scenery.

I am naturally curious and happiest on the move. Long rides, good company and the northern wilderness give me balance and space to think.

Seppo taking a cycling break outside a log buildingROAD CYCLING

One pedal stroke
at a time.

I enjoy long rides, good company and cycling together. I have completed a 600-kilometre ride and am the founding chair of Masters Cycling Club r.y..

600 km
Enjoying the ride together
Seppo celebrating his finish with raised arms at IRONMAN KalmarTRIATHLON

Resilience.
And self-awareness.

I have completed two IRONMAN events. On long distances, finding my own pace and staying positive through difficult moments are what matter.

2 × IRONMAN
From preparation to the finish line
A fell landscape with a lake and northern forests in the valleyROOTS IN LAPLAND

Rooted
in the north.

My roots are in Lapland and reindeer farming. The northern landscape and my family’s history are an important part of who I am. Being in nature gives me space to breathe and enjoy the scenery.

The north.
Space to breathe and think
06 / CONTACT

It starts with
a conversation.

Whether it’s leadership, growth or what comes next for your business,
I’d be glad to talk.

seppo.ronkainen@gmail.com+358 40 562 7527
Connect on LinkedIn