The board of directors appointed Mika Vehviläinen as president and chief executive officer on January 27 but said he wouldn’t take office at the company’s headquarters in Finland before March 1.

Vehviläinen replaces former president and CEO Mikael Mäkinen, who has taken up the role of president at Cargotec’s marine business in Asia.

Cargotec vice chairman Tapio Hakakari will continue as interim president and CEO until February 28.

Vehviläinen is currently the president and CEO of Finland’s flag carrier and largest airline Finnair.

He previously held senior leadership positions at Nokia and Nokia Siemens Networks and has worked in logistics and service development in the US and in Asia.

"During his successful international career, Vehviläinen has convincingly proven his leadership and result-creating skills even during difficult circumstances,” Cargotec chairman Ilkka Herlin said.

“The board is certain that under his management Cargotec is well prepared to face the future changes and challenges.”

Vehviläinen said he was excited to develop the Cargotec business further.

“The importance of transport and logistics will continue to increase in the future,” he said.

“Cargotec as the forerunner in cargo handling solutions offers an interesting challenge.

“I am excited to develop Cargotec business further, together with the whole personnel.”