The President and CEO and Leadership Team
The President and CEO manages the day-to-day administration of the Group in accordance with the instructions and orders issued by the Board of Directors. The President and CEO is appointed and dismissed by the company’s Board of Directors, which also determines the President and CEO’s remuneration.
Elisa Markula (born 1966) has served as VR-Group Plc’s President and CEO since 30 August 2022. Before joining VR, she worked as the Managing Director of Oriola Oyj and Tikkurila Oyj, as the Director of Paulig Group’s Coffee division, and in several management positions in sales and marketing at various companies. Markula is also the Vice Chair of the Board of the Finland Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Board of Directors of Nokian Tyres Plc.
At the end of 2024, VR Leadership Team comprised ten (10) members and the President and CEO, to whom the members of the Leadership Team report. The Leadership Team is responsible for VR’s operational management and the company’s development. The members meet regularly and assist the President and CEO in the planning and implementation of the VR’s strategy, annual planning, monitoring of targets, financial reporting, and risk management. They also prepare proposals for investments and other necessary decisions. In addition, the members of the team are responsible for developing a strong corporate culture and consistent internal operating models for VR. In 2024, the Leadership Team met primarily once a month.
Elisa Markula
CEO
b. 1966, M.Sc. (econ.)
Employed by VR Group since 8/2022. Member of VR Leadership team as of 8/2022
Experience
- Oriola Corporation (2021–2022): CEO
Tikkurila Group (2018–2021): CEO - Paulig Group (2009–2018): Director for the Coffee Division
Key positions of trust
- Finland Chamber of Commerce (2020-): Vice Chair
- Palta, Service Sector Employers (2023–): Member of the Board, Member of the Executive Committee (2024–)
- Varma (2023–): Member of the Supervisory Board
- Nokian Tyres (2024–): Member of the Board, Member of the Audit Committee
Ilkka Anttila
SVP, Strategy and PMO
b. 1987, M. Sc. Industrial Engineering and Management
Employed by VR Group since 08/2017. Member of VR Leadership team as of 11/2023
Experience
- VR Group (2024–): SVP, Strategy and PMO
- VR Group (2023): Director, turnaround programme
- VR Group (2019–2022): Director, logistic planning and fleet management
- VR Group (2017–2019): business development manager
- Boston Consulting Group (2012–2013, 2014–2017): Management consultant
- RELEX (2013–2014): Development manager
Melisa Bärholm
SVP, People and culture
b. 1967, M. Sc. (Psyc.)
Employed by VR Group since 10/2023. Member of VR Leadership team as of 10/2023
Experience
- Lujatalo Oy (2022–2023): CHRO
Tikkurila Oyj (2017–2022): SVP, HR - MBM Coaching 2014–2016: Founder, Consultant
- Rovio Entertainment Oyj (2012–2014): VP, HR
- Suunto Oy (2007–2011): HR Director
- Sako Oy 2004–2007: HR Director
- Posti Group, IT Optimo Oy 2002-2004: HR Director
- Nokia Oyj 1996–2002: HRD Manager
Jonna Juslin
Director of Public Affairs and Sustainability, and interim SVP, Communications
b. 1978, LL.M. trained on the bench
Employed by VR Group since 11/2009. Member of VR Leadership team as of 11/2024
Experience:
- VR Group (2023–): Director, Sustainabilty; (2018–) Director, Public Affairs and international affairs; (2009) various other positions at VR
- Finnish Forest Industries (2005–2009): Lawyer, collective agreements
Key positions of trust
- Confederation of Finnish Industries, EK (2022–): Member of the Energy and Climate Committee
Palta, Service Sector Employers (2009–): several positions of trust - Finland Chamber of Commerce (2020–): Member of the Transport Committee
Janne Hattula
SVP, VR City Traffic Finland
b. 1978, Bachelor of Hospitality Management and Tourism
Employed by VR Group since 04/2022. Member of VR Leadership team as of 8/2023.
Experience
- Airpro Group (2014-2022): CEO
- Previously also worked in the SAS Group (2003-2014) in various management positions, such as the CEO of Blue1 2012–2014
Key positions of trust
- Finnish Road Transport Employers’ Association (2023-): Member of the Board
- Finnish Bus and Coach Association (2024–): Member of the Board
- HS Chamber of Commerce (2023–): Member of the Transport Committee
Otso Ikonen
SVP, Maintenance
b. 1976, M.Sc (Eng),
M.Sc (Econ)
Employed by VR Group since 8/2022. Member of VR
Leadership team as of 8/2022.
Experience
- Wexon Oy (2021–2022): CEO
- ABB Oy: Group SVP, Large Motors and Generators (2018–2020); VP, Helsinki Machines Factory (2013–2018); Several management
positions (2000–2013)
Eljas Koistinen
SVP, Logistics
b. 1978, eMBA, tradenomi
Employed by VR since 2/2018. Member of VR Leadership team as of 6/2022.
Experience
- VR Group (2018–2022): sales, production and Chief Commercial Officer, VR Transpoint
- Geodis Wilson Finland Oy (2017–2017): Sales Director
- VR Group (2006–2016): key customer and in the roles of sales manager, VR Transpoint
- Lindström Oy (2002–2006): Customer relationship management
- Previous experience also at Rautaruukki Corporation.
Johan Oscarsson
SVP, VR City Traffic Sweden
b. 1970, Ph.D. (Solid Mechanics) M.Sc. (Civil Engineering)
Employed by VR since 8/2023. Member of VR Leadership team as of 8/2023.
Experience:
- Strukton Rail AB (2020–2023): MD and CEO
- MTR Tunnelbanan AB (2018–2020): CEO
- MTR Tech AB (2014–2018): CEO
- Emtrain AB (2017–2018): CEO
- Interfleet Technology AB (2012–2014): CEO
Markku Pirskanen
CFO
b. 1964, M.Sc. (econ.)
Employed by VR since 1/2024. Member of VR Leadership team as of 1/2024.
Experience:
- Manna & Co (2023): CFO
- Woodly (2022–2023): CFO
- Tokmanni (2017–2022): CFO
- Hartela-Yhtiöt (2016–2017): CFO
- Martela (2011–2016): CFO
- Comptel (2009–2011): CFO
- Finlayson (2003–2009): CFO
Teemu Sipilä
SVP, Legal and Procurement
b. 1974, LL.M., eMBA
Employed by VR since 1/2023. Member of VR Leadership team as of 1/2023
Experience:
- GlucoModicum Ltd. (2022): General Counsel
- VR Group (2010–2020): in various positions as Director of Commuter Traffic, as General Counsel and acting CEO of VR Track at the time.
- Fortum Corporation (2005–2010): Legal Counsel
- Castren & Snellman Attorneys (1998–2005): Associate
Piia Tyynilä
SVP, VR Long-distance Traffic
b. 1973, Bachelor of Hospitality Management
Employed by VR since 4/2007. Member of VR Leadership team as of 1/2023.
Experience:
- VR Group (2022–): SVP Long Distance, CEO Avecra Oy
- VR Group (2007–2021): Director of services and many different positions at Avecra Oy
- Picnic Finland Oy (2006– 2007): Chain Director
- SOK (2004–2006): General Manager