Raisio CEO Pasi Flinkman will leave the Finnish food company after two years in the role.

In a statement today (21 May), the Benecol and Elovena owner said Flinkman had told the business he will leave ”Raisio to join another company”.

He will remain CEO until November or until a replacement is appointed.

Raisio board chair Arto Tiitinen said: “Flinkman has renewed Raisio’s operations and improved the company’s profitability in a commendable manner. Based on these achievements, Raisio has strong foundations to continue the determined execution of its strategy.”

Flinkman joined Raisio in June 2024 from Orkla’s Finnish confectionery and snacks unit, after predecessor Pekka Kuusniemi stepped down. 

His departure comes less than a year after Raisio set out a new strategy for the years 2025 to 2027.

In May last year, the group split its operations into category-focused units covering breakfast, snacking and food solutions, heart health, and new business development, with the changes leading to 14 job cuts.

At the time, Flinkman said the new structure would support “holistic, accountable management and fast, consumer-oriented decision-making”.

Raisio’s strategy targets revenue of €250m ($290.6m) by the end of 2027 and EBIT of €30m over the strategy period.

In 2025, the company generated net sales of €224.2m, down 1.1% year on year, while EBIT rose 40.7% to €28m. Net profit increased 37.2% to €23.2m.

The company said the decline in sales reflected the disposal of its plant protein business and weaker domestic industrial sales.

Flinkman said today: “I would like to thank all Raisio employees as well as our customers for their cooperation and trust. Together, we have strengthened the company’s financial performance, advanced the implementation of the strategy and built a more competitive foundation for the future. I wish Raisio continued success also in the future."