Today, Evitec Solutions announced updates to its leadership team, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on customers, growth, people and culture. With a strong team in place, Evitec is set to continue as a trusted partner for Nordic financial institutions, advancing transformation with innovation and AI.
Effective today, Päivi Karesjoki becomes Chief Executive Officer of the Evitec Group (Evitec Solutions). Päivi joined Evitec in 2024 and has served as Senior Vice President, Services, and as Chief Operating Officer. She brings long experience from financial services, IT software and consulting, including leadership roles at many organizations, such as OpusCapita and Digia.
— The Nordic financial services industry is being reshaped by rapid digitalization and AI-driven automation, while at the same time facing heightened risks from cyber threats, fraud, and stricter regulatory requirements, Karesjoki says, and continues:
— As CEO, I’m committed to supporting our clients with innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth in an evolving financial world. The guiding theme is Winning Together with our customers and partners. By staying close to our customers, building on our people and culture, and embracing innovation, we aim to set the Nordic standard in financial technology.
Ilkka Starck, who served as CEO of Evitec for 13 years and recently as interim CEO, is now Chair of the Board of Evitec. His strategic vision and steady leadership have guided our company through a transformative period, and we thank Ilkka for his inspiring leadership and impact.
Axel Waal has been appointed Senior Vice President, Services and joins the executive management team. Axel has already served as interim head of Services and brings deep operational know-how and a strong customer focus. Axel has worked at Evitec Solutions since 2006.
— Our goal is to grow a company where employees thrive, and customers see results and added value. Partnerships play a key role in extending the value we bring to our customers, says Waal.
Earlier this year, Emmaleena Mellanoura was appointed Senior Vice President, Strategy, People & Communication, joining the executive management team and leading a new unit that combines People & Culture, Marketing & Communications, and Strategy & Business Development teams. Emmaleena joined Evitec in 2018.
— Our strategy comes alive when people, communication and execution align. By embracing change, celebrating progress, and harnessing AI, we empower our people and customers to succeed together, says Mellanoura.
We warmly welcome Päivi, Axel and Emmaleena into their new roles.
Joel Lahtinen, appointed Chief Financial Officer earlier this year, continues to strengthen Evitec’s financial leadership and support strategic investments.
Pasi Lahti continues as Senior Vice President, Products, ensuring focus and continuity in product strategy and development.
Executive Management Team as of October 1st, 2025:
All members of the management team have been appointed from within Evitec, bringing a deep understanding of the company’s customers, people and business. Together they represent continuity, renewal and commitment to the future.
— We will continue to be trusted, local partner to our customers. With this team, we are ready to grow, innovate and deliver technology that makes a difference, says Karesjoki.
— Evitec’s future is in capable hands. I have full confidence that we will keep delivering excellent value to customers, drive growth, and create opportunities for our people. Our leadership team has the knowledge, commitment and customer focus needed to succeed, says Ilkka Starck, Chair of the Board of Evitec.
Evitec Solutions is a Nordic expert in software solutions and consultation services for the financial sector. For over 30 years, Evitec has created a better functioning future by empowering its customers to succeed with reliable, regulatory-compliant and future-proof technology. Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Evitec operates across the Nordics with over 300 professionals.
Together with its management, Evitec is owned by Volpi Capital – a specialist European private equity firm, focused on B2B tech-enabled sectors. Volpi Capital is experienced in international expansion and buy-and-build, driving sustainable and profitable growth.