In the last year, Woodio has been growing rapidly in the domestic Finnish market, and now Woodio is taking the next step in the company’s strategy to go global. Pekka Rantala, the CEO of ePassi Payments, has been appointed to the Woodio Board of Directors to strengthen the company’s strategic commercial expertise, particularly in the international markets.

“We wanted to strengthen Woodio’s Board of Directors with an expert in strategic sales and marketing. It is wonderful to have Pekka on board with us! He has extensive experience and expertise in strategic management, in a variety of industries,” says Eerik Paasikivi, Chairman of Woodio Board of Directors.
Rantala has a very strong background as a corporate leader. He has worked as CEO of Rovio Entertainment and Hartwall, Managing Director of Fazer Brands, and before joining ePassi Rantala worked as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for HDM Global. Between 1994 and 2011, he worked for Nokia in several positions – ie. as Senior Vice President of Marketingand Senior Vice President, Customer and Market Operations.
“ Woodio has many great elements that mean a lot to me. Woodio material is a brilliant distinctive Finnish innovation in a field that has not seen real renewal in decades. Sustainability, high quality and stunning design make Woodio a competitive and fresh challenger. I’m really excited to hop on board this unique journey just on the eve of the company’s internationalization,” Pekka Rantala comments about joining the Woodio Board of Directors.
The Woodio Board is formed by Eerik Paasikivi, Petro Lahtinen, Niklas von Weymarn and Pekka Rantala.
In October 2019, Woodio appointed Jan Timm Utecht as Chief Commercial Officer to build up the company’s operational sales. Utecht has been, for example, responsible for building up Marimekko’s APAC business.


More information
Petro Lahtinen, CEO & Founder, Woodio, tel. +358 50 581 1033
Mervi Laakso, Brand Manager, Woodio, tel. +358 50 410 9598
Pekka Rantala, tel. +358 40 505 1970