Leadership that turns strategy into action.
An experienced team shaping Walki’s long-term value
Walki Group is led by a diverse and highly experienced leadership team working across Europe in close collaboration with the Oji Group. Together, they are responsible for translating strategy into execution, strengthening Walki’s portfolio and guiding the company’s long-term development.
With deep expertise spanning packaging, engineered materials, technology, sourcing, finance and sustainability, the leadership team combines industrial know-how with a strong focus on collaboration, performance and continuous improvement.
Leif Frilund
Chief Executive Officer
“We want to be the reliable partner that helps our customers prepare for a circular future.”
Leif has led Walki Group since 2007, guiding the company through significant growth and transformation. Before joining Walki, he held senior leadership roles at BTG Group, Ahlstrom Corporation and Albany International, building deep expertise in industrial materials and international business.
Kari Salminen
Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President
“Reliable packaging starts with disciplined execution and deep understanding of customer needs.”
Kari serves as Walki’s Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President, bringing extensive experience from multiple leadership roles within Walki and the wider packaging industry. He has been Deputy CEO since 2020 and will take over as Walki’s CEO in January 2027, continuing his focus on operational excellence and customer value.
Wolfgang Thissen
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
“Clear financial insight enables better decisions across the entire organisation.”
Wolfgang leads Walki’s financial operations and supports strategic decision-making across the Group. He has held several leadership roles within Walki, including Head of Technical Products and Consumer Board, giving him a broad understanding of the company’s businesses.
Annika Sundell
Executive Vice President, Consumer Packaging and Innovation & Sustainability
“Innovation only has impact when it improves performance while moving materials in a more sustainable direction.”
Annika heads Walki’s Consumer Packaging business and leads Innovation & Sustainability. With a strong background in polymer technology, she has extensive experience in R&D leadership and innovation development, supporting Walki’s portfolio evolution and future-ready solutions.
Marko Siltala
Executive Vice President, Engineered Materials and Lean Operations
“Operational excellence is built through safety, efficiency and continuous improvement at every level.”
Marko is responsible for the Engineered Materials business area and oversees Lean operations, including health and safety and continuous improvement. He has held several leadership positions at Walki, including Head of Industrial Packaging.
Timo Finnström
Executive Vice President, Sourcing
“Strategic sourcing ensures continuity, quality and responsible use of resources.”
Timo oversees Walki’s sourcing strategy and supply chain operations. He plays a key role in securing materials and coordinating procurement to support operational performance and long-term sustainability goals. His background includes several senior leadership roles at Walki, including CFO.
Mats Holti
Executive Vice President, Technology
“Strong technical foundations enable us to evolve our materials and processes with confidence.”
Mats leads technology and R&D at Walki, overseeing technical development and investment planning. With a career at Walki spanning nearly four decades, he brings deep technical knowledge and continuity to the company’s long-term development.
Timo Saahko
Executive Vice President,
Packaging Materials
“Sustainable customer value starts with understanding what really matters and delivering with excellence.”
Timo leads Walki’s Packaging Materials business area, bringing broad international leadership experience and a strong commercial and operational perspective. His experience of Walki from both the company and customer side gives him a distinctive understanding of customer value, with a strong focus on sustainable value creation and operational excellence.