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.
Lea Keinänen, Chairperson of the Board, MBA
Has worked as Deputy CEO and Head of asset and fund management business line of Evli Bank Plc, among others. She has also held several board positions in financial sector. Member of the Cultural Foundation’s Finance Committee in 2019, member of the board since October 2021.
Keijo Hämäläinen, Vice Chairperson of the Board
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuomas Forsberg
Professor of International Politics at the University of Tampere. Researches European security and transatlantic relations, as well as the foreign policies of Finland, Germany, the EU, and Russia. Member of the Board since October 2025.
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.
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. Director of the Finnish Institute in Britain and Ireland. He has previously worked as General Manager of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, 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.
Eino Solje
Works as Assistant Chief Physician at Kuopio University Hospital and as Assistant Professor and Director of the Brain Research Unit at the University of Eastern Finland. Researches early-onset memory and brain degeneration diseases. Member of the Board since 2025.
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
Marianna Bom, MBA, Chairperson
Lea Keinänen, MBA
Jukka Luostarinen, Master of Laws
Aleksi Malmberg, Master of Philosophy
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
Doctor of Political Science Jenni Haukio
VTT, Associate Professor Hiski Haukkala
Deputy CEO Hanna Hiidenpalo
Legal Counsel Mika Ilveskero
Bishop Jari Jolkkonen
Author Anneli Kanto
Chair & Board member Kirsi Komi
Author Joonas Konstig
Master of Philosophy Anita Lehikoinen
Rector Sari Lindblom
Author Minna Lindgren
CEO Timo Löyttyniemi
Professor Mikko Niemi
Doctor of Medicine Leena Niemistö
Dance Artist Julian Owusu
Professor Jukka Pekola
Vice Principal Tanja Risikko
Professor Juho Saari
Professor Hannu Salmi
Professor Ursula Schwab
Master of Philosophy Raija-Liisa Seilo
Master of Philosophy Jari Sokka
Director Mari Walls
Postdoctoral Researcher Nafisa Yeasmin
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.