Esa Mäki, HKScan executive vice president of meat balance & supply chain will leave his position at HKScan to become the chief executive officer of Finnish vegetable company Apetit Plc.
Mäki will start in his new position on September 1, 2019, but will continue to work at HKScan and serve as a member of the group’s management team until the end of August 2019. His tenure with HKScan, a Nordic meat and poultry company, was brief, as the company announced his hiring in January. However, he did not begin employment until March, according to a press release from Apetit.
“I want to extend my thanks to Esa for the good cooperation we have had. I also wish him all the best in his new position,” Tero Hemmilä, CEO of HKScan, stated.
HKScan, according to the WATTAgNet Top Poultry Companies Database, produces, sells and markets pork and beef, poultry products, processed meats and convenience foods under strong brand names, including Kariniemen in Finland, Rose in Denmark and Tallegg in Estonia.
Prior to his time with HKScan, Mäki served in leadership capacities with Atria, Best In Oy, Biolan Oy, Finnprotein Oy, Broilertalo Oy and HK Ruokatalo Oy.
“Apetit will get the leader, whose industry expertise and extensive management experience will strengthen development of the company's performance. Improving business efficiency and improving profitability clearly are the most important tasks of the Board of Directors and the CEO starting in September. It's great that we can work together with Esa Mäki,” said Simo Palokangas, chairman of the board of directors at Apetit Plc..
“The common denominator of my new and previous duties is the Finnish food industry. … The started development measures at Apetit, targeting to improve growth and profitability, will be a priority also in the future,” Mäki stated.
Mäki will succeed Juha Vanhainen as Apetit CEO. Vanhainen will remain available for special projects defined by the Apetit board of directors until November 30, 2019.
