Nokian CEO Is Leaving at End of 2016

Sept. 27, 2016

Ari Lehtoranta, the CEO and president of Nokian Tyres plc, will leave the company at the end of 2016. The company says he is resigning "in order to pursue new opportunities outside of Nokian Tyres."

Nokian's board of directors will begin recruiting Lehtoranta's replacement, the company says in a press release.

"I want to thank Ari Lehtoranta for his contribution in leading and developing the company," says Petteri Walldén, chairman of the board of directors for the company. "Nokian Tyres’ position in the market is strong and the outlook positive. Several significant strategic development projects are under way in the company. Most important among these has been the increase in sales in the company’s growth markets Central Europe and North America. Company’s management and personnel are highly skilled, and now we will select a new and best possible CEO for the company."

Lehtoranta says, "Nokian Tyres is in excellent condition. Our customers are satisfied with our products and services. I am proud of our personnel and their capability. I will continue my work in full until the end of the year. At this point, however, I already want to thank everybody at Nokian Tyres and the board of directors for excellent cooperation."

Lehtoranta joined Nokian in Sept. 2014 and began his duties as CEO and president on Oct. 1, 2014.