Board of trustees
The foundation’s 12-member Board of Trustees contains a broad range of expertise in the arts and sciences, administration, and financial life. It meets between eight and ten times a year. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the administration of the foundation, guiding and supervising its management and deciding on the foundation’s strategy.
Mikko Niemi, Chairperson of the Board
Professor of Pharmacogenetics at the University of Helsinki. His research group studies the impact of genetic differences in cell membrane transport proteins on the efficacy and safety of drugs. Member of the board since 2016.
Jukka Luostarinen, Vice Chairperson of the Board
Master of Laws. Practicing in his law firm, with a focus on corporate and competition law. He has also worked on EU law in Brussels. Member of the board since October 2022.
Anne Birgitta Pessi, Vice Chairperson of the Board
Works as Professor of Church Sociology at the University of Helsinki and Associate Professor of Welfare Sociology at the University of Eastern Finland. Pessi’s areas of expertise include compassion, community and well-being. Member of the board since 2016.
Marianna Bom
Master of Business Administration. Director of Economics and Finance at Aalto University, with long experience in leadership and management. Her work experience includes a career at Nokia. Member of the board since October 2023.
Siru Ahopelto
Master of Social Sciences from Virolahti. Entrepreneur, Executive Director of Kaakon Kamarimusiikki ry and expert and leader of rural and cultural development projects. Member of the board since 2022.
Karo Hämäläinen
Master of Literature, writer, journalist and literary critic. He has written novels and non-fiction books for adults, children and young people. Member of the board since 2018.
Keijo Hämäläinen
A physicist by education, specialising in experimental physics research. He is currently Rector of the University of Tampere. Member of the board since October 2021.
Lea Keinänen
MBA. Has worked as Business Director and Executive Vice President of Evli Bank, among others. Member of the Cultural Foundation’s Finance Committee in 2019, member of the board since October 2021.
Tiina Lindfors
A choreographer, director and dancer who has created over a hundred productions and won numerous awards. A founding member and one of the directors of ERI Dance Theatre in Turku. Member of the board since 2019.
Aleksi Malmberg
Master of Philosophy. He has previously worked as Director of the Finnish Institute of Culture and Science in Brussels, Programme Manager of the Helsinki Festival and Executive Director of the Our Festival. Member of the board since October 2023.
Leena Vuotovesi
Master of Philosophy in Cultural Anthropology. Works as the Executive Director of the Oulu Business Centre Association. Served for eight years on the board of ResArtis, the global network of artist residencies. Member of the board since 2019.
Petri Ylikoski
Professor of Science and Technology Studies and Deputy Director of the Centre of Excellence in Philosophy of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki. Member of the board since 2017.
The Finance Committee prepares the budget and the annual financial statements. It consists of 3-5 members, elected by the Board of Trustees from among its members for a term of one year. The committee also decides on the guidelines for investing the foundation’s assets.
Members of the Finance Committee
Lea Keinänen, MBA, Chairperson
Mikko Niemi, Professor, Vice Chairperson
Marianna Bom, MBA
Jukka Luostarinen, Master of Laws
Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board is the foundation’s most senior elected administrative body. It comprises 27 members, of which 15 are elected at the spring meeting of the Association and 12 by the Supervisory Board itself. The Supervisory Board nominates the Board of Trustees and approves the foundation’s budget and annual financial statements.
Professor Riitta Pyykkö, Chairperson
Chief Editor Matti Kalliokoski, Vice Chairperson
Chairman of the Board Matti Alahuhta
Managing Director Iiris Autio
Deputy CEO Hanna Hiidenpalo
Professor Elina Ikonen
Legal Counsel Mika Ilveskero
Academy Professor Jukka Jernvall
Bishop Jari Jolkkonen
Author Anneli Kanto
Author Joonas Konstig
Rector Sari Lindblom
Author Minna Lindgren
CEO Timo Löyttyniemi
CEO Risto Murto
Doctor of Medicine Leena Niemistö
Professor Asla Pitkänen
Stakeholder Manager Tanja Risikko
Dean Juho Saari
Professor Hannu Salmi
Master of Philosophy Raija-Liisa Seilo
Professor Ari Sihvola
Master of Philosophy Jari Sokka
Director Teija Tiilikainen
CEO Aino Turtiainen-Visala
Professor Mari Walls
Our staff
The Finnish Cultural Foundation employs about 50 people. The Foundation is managed by the CEO, who is supported by a management group. An extended management group assists with strategic work and organisational development. In addition to the head office in Helsinki, work is carried out in the offices of the regional funds and various networks. The regional fund managers and coordinators may be responsible for several regional funds as well as for national tasks.