Lauri Veijalainen to Lead EK’s Ukraine Export Initiative

Lauri Veijalainen has been appointed Project Director of the Pro Ukraine initiative at the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), starting August 25. The program aims to engage over 200 Finnish companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.

Throughout his career, Lauri Veijalainen (age 57) has played a significant role in opening doors for Finland in Ukraine, serving as CEO of East Office of Finnish Industries and working at the Finnish Embassy in Kyiv. He was also involved in launching IKEA’s operations in Ukraine. Veijalainen has previously held CEO positions at Stockmann and, most recently, Indoor Group.

At EK, Veijalainen’s main responsibility will be to launch broad-based participation of Finnish companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The goal of Pro Ukraine program is to have at least 200 Finnish companies begin export operations to Ukraine within the next two years. In addition, the program will build a new model for Finnish export promotion in close cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other Team Finland stake holders.

Veijalainen will focus in particular on field operations in Finland, activating and supporting potential export companies from various sectors and regions. He will work closely with our Kyiv office, which is jointly operated by EK and EastCham, and which assists Finnish companies in their initial steps in Ukraine.

Pro Ukraine is a key priority for EK, emphasizes Jyri Häkämies, Director General:

“By succeeding in reconstruction, we strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and promote the country’s Western integration and EU membership. It is crucial to act now, in step with other Nordic countries. This is the largest reconstruction project in European history, estimated by the World Bank to exceed 520 billion dollars. According to EK, this could generate annual export growth for Finnish companies of approximately 1–2 billion euros. With his strong background in Ukraine and solid leadership experience, Lauri is an outstanding addition to our team.”

“Rebuilding Ukraine is the foundation for the country’s future. It is of great importance to all of Europe and at the same time an opportunity for Finland. It is an honor to be launching the Pro Ukraine initiative,” says Lauri Veijalainen.

Lauri Veijalainen will report to Petri Vuorio, EK’s Director responsible for entrepreneurship and international trade.