Finnish food group Raisio has named Elli Siltala as its new CEO to succeed Pasi Flinkman, who in May announced his intention to leave the company.

In a statement today (7 August), Raisio said Siltala will join the business from Finnish retailer SOK, where she is chief loyalty and media officer and a member of its management team.

The appointment will take effect on 1 September. Meanwhile, Flinkman, who has led Raisio since June 2024, will remain in the CEO role until Siltala takes over.

Siltala said: “I am grateful for the trust of the board of directors and I accept the task with great enthusiasm. Raisio has exceptionally strong starting points for building international growth with well-known brands, a strong balance sheet and skilled personnel.

“Together with the personnel, customers and the board, I want to build Raisio into an even stronger international company focused on well-being and healthier nutrition.”

Raisio said Siltala has more than 25 years of experience in food and retail.

Before joining SOK, she spent a “long time” at Finnish dairy group Valio, holding roles within business, sales, marketing and international management, the company added.

Raisio board chair Arto Tiitinen said: “Elli Siltala brings significant expertise to Raisio. She has a strong track record of strategic leadership, building profitable growth and developing international business. She has extensive experience in Finnish food production from field to fork.

“Raisio has solid foundations, and under Elli Siltala’s leadership, our ambition is to grow Raisio both organically and through acquisitions.”

Raisio owns brands such as Benecol yogurt drinks and spreads, Elovena oat products and Nalle snacks for children. It exports products to more than 40 markets.

The company is due to publish its half-year results on 12 August.

In 2025, the group reported net sales of €224.2m, down 1.1% year on year.

Comparable EBITDA rose to €37.8m from €33.3m and EBIT climbed to €28m versus €19.9m a year earlier.

EPS, on a comparable basis, was €0.15, up slightly from €0.13.