Satu Pahkala
CV
Satu Pahkala
CV
I have accumulated over 20 years of experience with responsibility issues having worked in different sectors and organisations. I have worked in the food industry, forestry, packaging industry as well as in trade. Whether it’s a publicly listed or a family-owned company, I understand their challenges. I can put corporate responsibility into words and present it to the management level, employees and external stakeholders.

I am skilled in comprehending and making sense of extensive, complex issues. I can translate them into tangible actions that are easy to implement. The most important thing is to understand the cause-effect link and scale in matters and actions. Even the biggest goals and the wildest of visions can be achieved one concrete step at a time – as long as we make sure we are taking the right kind of steps. I am uncomplicated and approachable. I have acted as a working partner and a sparring companion for people in executive roles, communication, HR, procurement and product development. I am easy to get along with and enjoy working with different people.

I put things into action and follow through to ensure results. I want to witness progress and growth. This is reflected in everything I do. In my work, I help companies turn their responsibility visions into concrete actions. In my spare time, I raise chickens, tend to my garden and renovate an old fisherman’s cottage. None of these will ever will be completely finished, there is always something to learn. What actually helps is understanding the big picture and the scale – and what are the steps that need to be taken to reach the desired outcome.

Professional experience
  • Corporate Responsibility Director, Wihuri Group   |   2018 – 2021
  • EHS Manager, Huhtamäki Oyj   |   2015 – 2018
  • Sustainability Manager, Metsä Board Oyj   |   2012 – 2015
  • Sustainability Specialist, Environmental Manager (various different roles), Fazer Group   |   2004 – 2012
  • Research Scientist (Microbiology and Industrial Hygiene, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland   |   2000 – 2002
Education
  • Master of Science (Applied Sciences), University of Hertfordshire, UK   |   1998 – 1999
    Advanced studies: Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Industrial Microbiology and Immunology

    Master’s Thesis: Molecular detection of tumour suppressor gene in human monocyte cell line
  • Degree in Biotechnology Engineering, Espoo-Vantaa Institute of Technology, Finland   |   1994 – 1998
    Advanced studies: Biotechnology, Process Engineering, New Biotechnology

    Bachelor’s Thesis: Ropiness in bread
Honorary positions
  • Chairperson of the Corporate Responsibility Committee, Finnish Commerce Federation   |   2020 – 2021
  • Member of the Corporate Responsibility Committee, Finnish Commerce Federation   |   2018 – 2021
  • Member of the Board, Finnish Plastics Recycling Ltd.   |   2017 – 2018
  • Company Representative, EUROPEN (European Organization for Packaging and the Environment)   |   2013 – 2018
  • Member of the Steering Group, Paper Profile   |   2014 – 2015
  • Member of the Environmental Committee, Confederation of Finnish Industries   |   2010 – 2012
  • Chairperson of the Environmental Committee, Finnish Food and Drink Industries' Federation   |   2009 – 2011
  • Member of the Environmental Committee, Finnish Food and Drink Industries' Federation   |   2006 – 2011