Veikkaus, the Finnish state-owned gaming operator, has announced the appointment of Ilkka Kosola as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Kosola, who will also join the company’s executive management team by late September 2026, arrives at a critical juncture as Veikkaus prepares to transition toward Finland’s new partial multi-license system.
A Vision for 2030
The appointment is a strategic move to bolster the company’s leadership as it executes its “2030 Strategy.” Kosola brings a wealth of experience in leading high-stakes financial turnarounds and modernizing IT functions.
Olli Sarekoski, CEO and President at Veikkaus, highlighted the significance of the hire:
“Ilkka’s broad and international experience in leading finance and IT functions, combined with his proven ability to drive change and execute strategic transactions, makes him an excellent fit for Veikkaus as we navigate this period of significant transformation. We are confident that his expertise will be a great asset to our company and our executive management team as we work towards our strategic goals for 2030.”
Extensive Industry Pedigree
Kosola makes the move to Veikkaus from his current role as Group CFO at Reaktor. His career is defined by a strong track record of successful M&A transactions and the integration of artificial intelligence into financial workflows. He has previously held senior roles at Adven Group, Fortum, and TietoEvery.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Ilkka Kosola stated:
“I am thrilled to be joining the Veikkaus team and to have the opportunity to contribute to the next chapter of this iconic Finnish company. Veikkaus is at a pivotal point in its history, and I am eager to apply my experience to support the company’s transformation and the execution of its new strategy in the opening license market.”
Kosola’s expertise in digitally enabled finance will be vital as Veikkaus seeks to maintain its market-leading position while competing within a more open and regulated Finnish gambling landscape.
