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SE Mäkinen Strengthens Its Executive Leadership – Kimmo Vainio Appointed New CEO as of 1 March 2026
SE Mäkinen is reinforcing its management team by appointing Kimmo Vainio as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 March 2026. The company’s long‑serving CEO, Iiro Mäkinen, will simultaneously transition into a full‑time role as Chair of the Board, continuing to support executive leadership. Mäkinen will also remain CEO of Gröning Internationalé Spedition GmbH and will oversee the strategic development of Autoambulance Group and Carsport — all subsidiaries of SE Mäkinen. In addition, he will continue to be responsible for the Group’s finance, real estate, and M&A activities.
The purpose of this organizational renewal is to accelerate SE Mäkinen’s development initiatives and strengthen the strategic management of its integrated logistics operations. SE Mäkinen is a customer‑focused logistics service provider that builds its growth around its clients’ processes and needs. The updated leadership structure creates even stronger conditions for continuing this development.
Kimmo Vainio brings exceptionally broad and diverse experience from the automotive sector. His previous leadership roles include positions at Helkama Auto Oy, BMW Suomi Oy, K‑Auto Oy, Europcar, and Autokeskus Oy. His background provides a deep understanding of the entire automotive value chain — from factory logistics and financing to mobility services. Most recently, Vainio served as CEO of ASN Federation and its marketing subsidiary (AKK).
“SE Mäkinen has grown and diversified significantly during the past 15 years. I am proud and excited to welcome Kimmo Vainio as our new CEO. He brings a culture of leadership and execution, and above all, sharp insight into improving sales and customer experience while understanding the future direction of the automotive industry. In rally terms, Kimmo is our company’s new and bigger turbocharger. My role is to ensure that our strategy guides us to the right competitions.”
– Iiro Mäkinen
Kimmo Vainio views his new role as a unique opportunity:
“I have had the privilege of working at the forefront of the automotive industry in several distinguished companies. I accept the role of CEO at SE Mäkinen with humility, appreciating the company’s long history and its owners. I see this position as exceptionally meaningful — it allows my full range of expertise to be utilized. I am excited to work closely with the new Chair of the Board and the company’s owners.”
– Kimmo Vainio
SE Mäkinen is a 73‑year‑old, third‑generation family‑owned company. Appointing a CEO from outside the family deepens leadership practices and strengthens the organization’s overall performance — important steps for ensuring long‑term competitiveness. In connection with the leadership renewal, one of the family owners, Eeva Ritakoski, will assume responsibility for the Family Council and its development, thereby supporting both board work and the executive team. All owners will continue to be actively involved in the company’s strategic direction and long‑term development.
Further information:
Iiro Mäkinen +358 40 59 49 572
Kimmo Vainio +358 50 390 5301
The purpose of this organizational renewal is to accelerate SE Mäkinen’s development initiatives and strengthen the strategic management of its integrated logistics operations. SE Mäkinen is a customer‑focused logistics service provider that builds its growth around its clients’ processes and needs. The updated leadership structure creates even stronger conditions for continuing this development.
Kimmo Vainio brings exceptionally broad and diverse experience from the automotive sector. His previous leadership roles include positions at Helkama Auto Oy, BMW Suomi Oy, K‑Auto Oy, Europcar, and Autokeskus Oy. His background provides a deep understanding of the entire automotive value chain — from factory logistics and financing to mobility services. Most recently, Vainio served as CEO of ASN Federation and its marketing subsidiary (AKK).
“SE Mäkinen has grown and diversified significantly during the past 15 years. I am proud and excited to welcome Kimmo Vainio as our new CEO. He brings a culture of leadership and execution, and above all, sharp insight into improving sales and customer experience while understanding the future direction of the automotive industry. In rally terms, Kimmo is our company’s new and bigger turbocharger. My role is to ensure that our strategy guides us to the right competitions.”
– Iiro Mäkinen
Kimmo Vainio views his new role as a unique opportunity:
“I have had the privilege of working at the forefront of the automotive industry in several distinguished companies. I accept the role of CEO at SE Mäkinen with humility, appreciating the company’s long history and its owners. I see this position as exceptionally meaningful — it allows my full range of expertise to be utilized. I am excited to work closely with the new Chair of the Board and the company’s owners.”
– Kimmo Vainio
SE Mäkinen is a 73‑year‑old, third‑generation family‑owned company. Appointing a CEO from outside the family deepens leadership practices and strengthens the organization’s overall performance — important steps for ensuring long‑term competitiveness. In connection with the leadership renewal, one of the family owners, Eeva Ritakoski, will assume responsibility for the Family Council and its development, thereby supporting both board work and the executive team. All owners will continue to be actively involved in the company’s strategic direction and long‑term development.
Further information:
Iiro Mäkinen +358 40 59 49 572
Kimmo Vainio +358 50 390 5301
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