ULVILA, Finland—Automation and logistics firm Cimcorp Group will have a new CEO starting in 2025.
Veli-Matti Hakala officially will take over for current CEO Tero Peltomaki on Jan. 1, who is retiring but will remain on Cimcorp's Board of Directors, the company said in a statement.
Hakala, formerly the company's executive vice president, joined Cimcorp in 2016. During his time with the company, he has risen through sales to upper management, and now to the company's top position.
"In every phase, we aim to bring our experience to the table and even challenge the client's initial perspective. We are interested in what our client does and how it could be done better and more efficiently," Hakala said. "I want to promote Cimcorp's growth in a way that allows us to hold on to what we have—our innovative spirit and genuine care for the client. A CEO has a vital role in keeping those things on board as the company grows. We need to remember how we got to where we are today."
Hakala brings over 25 years of industry experience with him to the position, Cimcorp said. The new CEO is "committed to maintaining a high level of service as the company grows," which involves cultivating an understanding of different business environments on a client-to-client basis.
When he takes over as CEO in 2025, Hakala will focus on growing the company's tire plant logistics and grocery retail sectors, according to Cimcorp.
"In recent years, automation has spread throughout the facilities," Cimcorp said in a news release. "Companies want to be able to see their entire operation with one look, utilize analytics, optimize processes, and lead with data. Cimcorp's own software and software development enable the management of these entities."
Along with Hakala's appointment to CEO, Cimcorp also has assigned Tommi Kumlander as deputy CEO, Jarno Honkanen as VP of Solutions & Technology, both effective Jan. 1, and Pekka Natri as head of region for North America. The team is modeled in Hakala's leadership style of collaboration and analysis.
"My career has taught me that development comes from listening," Hakala said. "Everything starts with listening, gathering information, questioning, and analyzing."
As for the tire industry, Cimcorp is focused on its Dream Factory project. The factory is designed to manage the tire throughout each step of its material handling process, the company said. New software and robotic machinery applications throughout that process look to give Cimcorp the ability to provide "automation in every area of that tire factory, from raw materials to green tire to finished tire and shipping."
