Walki Group has confirmed that President and CEO Leif Frilund will retire at the end of 2026 following a long tenure with the company.
Kari Salminen, currently Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President, Business Area Packaging Materials, will succeed Frilund as President and CEO from 1st January, 2027. Salminen will work alongside Frilund during the fourth quarter of 2026 to support the leadership transition.
“After many rewarding years, I have decided that the time is right to hand over the leadership of Walki to a new generation,” said Frilund. “Most importantly, I leave with deep confidence in our people, our strategy and our future.”
As part of the changes, Timo Saahko will join Walki as Executive Vice President, Packaging Materials, and a member of the Group Executive Team from October 1, 2026. Saahko joins from Mölnlycke Health Care Oy, where he currently serves as Managing Director, and has previously held several roles at Walki.
