President and CEO and Executive Committee
Neste’s President and CEO, Matti Lehmus (b. 1974, eMBA, M.Sc., Chemical Technology and Polymer Technology) manages the Company’s business operations in accordance with the Finnish Companies Act and instructions issued by the Board of Directors. The President and CEO shall oversee the executive management of the company in accordance with instructions and orders given by the Board of Directors and is responsible for ensuring that the Company’s accounts are in compliance with the law and that its financial affairs have been arranged in a reliable manner. The President and CEO is appointed by the Board of Directors, which evaluates the performance of the President and CEO annually and approves his remuneration on the basis of a proposal by the Personnel and Remuneration Committee.
The Executive Committee assists the President and Chief Executive Officer in the management and coordination of the implementation of the Neste’s strategic and operational goals. The present Executive Committee consists of the following persons:
Matti Lehmus
(Born 1974)
President and CEO, Chair of the Executive Committee
eMBA, M.Sc. (Chemical Technology and Polymer Technology)
President and CEO since 2022
Joined the company in 1998. Previously responsible for the Renewables Platform 2019–2022 and for the Oil Products business area 2014–2019. Has also served as Executive Vice President of the Oil Products and Renewables business area 2011–2014, Executive Vice President of the Oil Products business area 2009–2010, Vice President of the Base Oils business in the Specialty Products Division 2007–2009, Vice President of Oil Refining Business Development in 2007 and Gasoline Exports and Trading Manager 2004–2007 in the Oil Refining Division. Member of the National Emergency Supply Council 2018–.
President and CEO, Chair of the Executive Committee
eMBA, M.Sc. (Chemical Technology and Polymer Technology)
President and CEO since 2022
Joined the company in 1998. Previously responsible for the Renewables Platform 2019–2022 and for the Oil Products business area 2014–2019. Has also served as Executive Vice President of the Oil Products and Renewables business area 2011–2014, Executive Vice President of the Oil Products business area 2009–2010, Vice President of the Base Oils business in the Specialty Products Division 2007–2009, Vice President of Oil Refining Business Development in 2007 and Gasoline Exports and Trading Manager 2004–2007 in the Oil Refining Division. Member of the National Emergency Supply Council 2018–.
Martti Ala-Härkönen
(born 1965)
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Strategy and IT
Dr.Sc. (Econ.), Lic.Sc. (Tech.)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2022
Joined the company in 2022. Served previously as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Finance, M&A and IT) at Caverion Corporation 2016–2022, Chief Financial Officer (Finance & Development) at Cramo Plc 2006–2016, Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration (CFO) at WM-data Ltd 2004–2006, Chief Financial Officer (Finance & Development) and Senior Vice President Business Development at Novo Group Plc 1998–2004 and as Finance Manager and Corporate Finance Manager at Postipankki Plc 1995–1998. Member of the Supervisory Board of Mutual Pension Insurance Company Ilmarinen 2022–. Member of the Board of Directors of Digia Plc 2016–, Vice Chair 2023– , Chair of the Audit Committee, Member of the Nomination Committee. Member of the Board of Martinez Renewables 2022–.
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Strategy and IT
Dr.Sc. (Econ.), Lic.Sc. (Tech.)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2022
Joined the company in 2022. Served previously as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Finance, M&A and IT) at Caverion Corporation 2016–2022, Chief Financial Officer (Finance & Development) at Cramo Plc 2006–2016, Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration (CFO) at WM-data Ltd 2004–2006, Chief Financial Officer (Finance & Development) and Senior Vice President Business Development at Novo Group Plc 1998–2004 and as Finance Manager and Corporate Finance Manager at Postipankki Plc 1995–1998. Member of the Supervisory Board of Mutual Pension Insurance Company Ilmarinen 2022–. Member of the Board of Directors of Digia Plc 2016–, Vice Chair 2023– , Chair of the Audit Committee, Member of the Nomination Committee. Member of the Board of Martinez Renewables 2022–.
Sami Jauhiainen
Vice President, Renewable Aviation APAC
As of 5 April 2023, interim lead for Renewable Aviation business unit, reports to the President and CEO Matti Lehmus, not a member of the Neste Executive Committee.
As of 5 April 2023, interim lead for Renewable Aviation business unit, reports to the President and CEO Matti Lehmus, not a member of the Neste Executive Committee.
Panu Kopra
(born 1972)
Executive Vice President, Marketing & Services
BBA, MBA
Member of the Executive Committee since 2016
Joined the company in 1996. Responsible for the Marketing & Services business unit. Previously served as Vice President in Oil Retail Sales in Finland and Baltic Rim 2014–2015, Vice President in Oil Retail Russia and Baltic Rim 2010–2014, General Manager in St. Petersburg Russia in 2009, Business Development Manager in Renewable Products 2007–2008, Sales Director 2006, General Manager in Latvia 2003–2005 and in several other positions in the company.
Executive Vice President, Marketing & Services
BBA, MBA
Member of the Executive Committee since 2016
Joined the company in 1996. Responsible for the Marketing & Services business unit. Previously served as Vice President in Oil Retail Sales in Finland and Baltic Rim 2014–2015, Vice President in Oil Retail Russia and Baltic Rim 2010–2014, General Manager in St. Petersburg Russia in 2009, Business Development Manager in Renewable Products 2007–2008, Sales Director 2006, General Manager in Latvia 2003–2005 and in several other positions in the company.
Markku Korvenranta
(born 1966)
Executive Vice President, Oil Products
M.Sc. (Eng)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2021
Joined the company in 2021. Responsible for the Oil Products business unit. Served previously as SVP, Group Portfolio Development at Marquard & Bahls, in Germany 2019–2021. EVP, Base Chemicals and Member of Executive Board at Borealis in Austria 2010–2018. Before that had several directorial and managerial roles at Borealis in Austria, Finland, Denmark and Belgium 1994–2010. Has also served in various roles at Neste Chemicals in Finland 1990–1994. Member of the Board of Directors of Oiltanking in Germany 2021–.
Executive Vice President, Oil Products
M.Sc. (Eng)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2021
Joined the company in 2021. Responsible for the Oil Products business unit. Served previously as SVP, Group Portfolio Development at Marquard & Bahls, in Germany 2019–2021. EVP, Base Chemicals and Member of Executive Board at Borealis in Austria 2010–2018. Before that had several directorial and managerial roles at Borealis in Austria, Finland, Denmark and Belgium 1994–2010. Has also served in various roles at Neste Chemicals in Finland 1990–1994. Member of the Board of Directors of Oiltanking in Germany 2021–.
Carl Nyberg
(born 1979)
Executive Vice President, Renewables Platform
M.Sc. (Economics and Business Administration)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2019
Joined the company in 2005. Responsible for the Renewables Platform unit. Previously responsible for the Renewable Road Transportation business unit 2019–2022. Served in various positions at Neste, most recently as Vice President of Sales Scandinavia of the Renewable Products business area 2016–2019, Vice President, Supply, Oil Products at Neste Geneva 2014–2016 and Trading Manager, Crude Oil 2013–2014. Managing Director of Neste AB 2017–2019. Member of the Board of eFuel Alliance e.V. 2021–. Member of the Board of Martinez Renewables 2022–.
Executive Vice President, Renewables Platform
M.Sc. (Economics and Business Administration)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2019
Joined the company in 2005. Responsible for the Renewables Platform unit. Previously responsible for the Renewable Road Transportation business unit 2019–2022. Served in various positions at Neste, most recently as Vice President of Sales Scandinavia of the Renewable Products business area 2016–2019, Vice President, Supply, Oil Products at Neste Geneva 2014–2016 and Trading Manager, Crude Oil 2013–2014. Managing Director of Neste AB 2017–2019. Member of the Board of eFuel Alliance e.V. 2021–. Member of the Board of Martinez Renewables 2022–.
Katja Wodjereck
(born 1976)
Executive Vice President, Renewable Road Transportation
Acting Executive Vice President, Renewable Polymers and Chemicals
eMBA, M.Sc. (Business Administration, European Business Management)
Member of the Executive Committee since 1 April 2023
Joined the company 1 April 2023. Responsible for the Renewable Road Transportation business unit and acting Executive Vice President for Renewable Polymers and Chemicals. Served previously as the President D/A/CH, Italy and Commercial Director, Industrial Solutions EMEAI 2022–2023, Commercial Director EMEAI, Industrial Solutions 2018–2021, and Commercial Director EMEAI, Energy and Microbial Technologies, Dow Europe GmbH, Switzerland 2017–2018, Sales Director Northern Europe, Packaging & Specialty, Belgium 2015–2017, Product Manager - Packaging & Specialties Plastics EMEA, Switzerland 2012–2015, Asset Manager Polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE) for Latin America, Brazil 2011–2012, and several managerial positions in Dow Chemical 2002–2010.
Executive Vice President, Renewable Road Transportation
Acting Executive Vice President, Renewable Polymers and Chemicals
eMBA, M.Sc. (Business Administration, European Business Management)
Member of the Executive Committee since 1 April 2023
Joined the company 1 April 2023. Responsible for the Renewable Road Transportation business unit and acting Executive Vice President for Renewable Polymers and Chemicals. Served previously as the President D/A/CH, Italy and Commercial Director, Industrial Solutions EMEAI 2022–2023, Commercial Director EMEAI, Industrial Solutions 2018–2021, and Commercial Director EMEAI, Energy and Microbial Technologies, Dow Europe GmbH, Switzerland 2017–2018, Sales Director Northern Europe, Packaging & Specialty, Belgium 2015–2017, Product Manager - Packaging & Specialties Plastics EMEA, Switzerland 2012–2015, Asset Manager Polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE) for Latin America, Brazil 2011–2012, and several managerial positions in Dow Chemical 2002–2010.
Minna Aila
(born 1966)
Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs
LL.M.
Member of the Executive Committee since 2020
Joined the company in 2020. Responsible for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs. Served previously as the EVP Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Konecranes 2018–2020, VP, Corporate Affairs at Nokia 2015–2018, SVP, Marketing, Communications & Corporate Responsibility at Outotec 2012–2015 as well as Head of Communications, Federation of Finnish Financial Services 2010–2012. Various roles in global communications, investor relations, corporate responsibility and government relations at Elcoteq 2004–2009. Various roles at European Commission 1992–2004. Chair of the EU and Trade Policy Committee at the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK. Vice Chair of the Business at OECD Trade Committee. Member of the Board at National Defense Course Association and Savonlinna Opera Festival. Member of the Board of Directors and member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees at DFDS A/S 2022–.
Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs
LL.M.
Member of the Executive Committee since 2020
Joined the company in 2020. Responsible for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs. Served previously as the EVP Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Konecranes 2018–2020, VP, Corporate Affairs at Nokia 2015–2018, SVP, Marketing, Communications & Corporate Responsibility at Outotec 2012–2015 as well as Head of Communications, Federation of Finnish Financial Services 2010–2012. Various roles in global communications, investor relations, corporate responsibility and government relations at Elcoteq 2004–2009. Various roles at European Commission 1992–2004. Chair of the EU and Trade Policy Committee at the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK. Vice Chair of the Business at OECD Trade Committee. Member of the Board at National Defense Course Association and Savonlinna Opera Festival. Member of the Board of Directors and member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees at DFDS A/S 2022–.
Hannele Jakosuo-Jansson
(born 1966)
Executive Vice President, Human Resources and HSSEQ
M.Sc. (Eng.)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2006
Joined the company in 1990. Responsible for Human Resources and HSSEQ. Previously responsible for the Group’s Procurement, Human Resources and Safety corporate functions. Served as Vice President, Human Resources at Oil Refining 2004–2005 and Laboratory and Research Manager at the Technology Center 1998–2004. Chair of the Skills and Competence Committee of the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland. Vice Chair of the Skilled workforce Committee at the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK. Member of the Board of Directors of Finnair, Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee of the Finnair Board Plc 2021–.
Executive Vice President, Human Resources and HSSEQ
M.Sc. (Eng.)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2006
Joined the company in 1990. Responsible for Human Resources and HSSEQ. Previously responsible for the Group’s Procurement, Human Resources and Safety corporate functions. Served as Vice President, Human Resources at Oil Refining 2004–2005 and Laboratory and Research Manager at the Technology Center 1998–2004. Chair of the Skills and Competence Committee of the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland. Vice Chair of the Skilled workforce Committee at the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK. Member of the Board of Directors of Finnair, Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee of the Finnair Board Plc 2021–.
Bart Leenders
(born 1969)
Executive Vice President, Investment Management and Execution
M.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2023
Joined the company in 2010. Responsible for Investment Management and Execution function, including Engineering Solutions and procurement. Served previously as Vice President, Global Production, Renewable Platform 2015–2022, Interim Managing Director, Neste Singapore 2015, Managing Director, Neste Netherlands, Renewables Business unit 2010–2015 and Manufacturing Manager Downstream Operations, Huntsman 2005–2010. Member of the Circular Task Force of the Economic Board Zuid-Holland, Member of Executing Committee national Climate Agreement Mobility and Executing Committee national Aviation Agreement, Chair of the Dutch Association for Sustainable Biofuels (NVDB), and Board member of Deltalinqs, Enterprise Association for Mainport Rotterdam, representing Renewables and Chair of the safety domain.
Executive Vice President, Investment Management and Execution
M.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering)
Member of the Executive Committee since 2023
Joined the company in 2010. Responsible for Investment Management and Execution function, including Engineering Solutions and procurement. Served previously as Vice President, Global Production, Renewable Platform 2015–2022, Interim Managing Director, Neste Singapore 2015, Managing Director, Neste Netherlands, Renewables Business unit 2010–2015 and Manufacturing Manager Downstream Operations, Huntsman 2005–2010. Member of the Circular Task Force of the Economic Board Zuid-Holland, Member of Executing Committee national Climate Agreement Mobility and Executing Committee national Aviation Agreement, Chair of the Dutch Association for Sustainable Biofuels (NVDB), and Board member of Deltalinqs, Enterprise Association for Mainport Rotterdam, representing Renewables and Chair of the safety domain.
Lars Peter Lindfors
(born 1964)
Executive Vice President, Innovation
Ph.D. (Tech.), MBA
Member of the Executive Committee since 2009
Re-joined the company in 2007. Responsible for Innovation, including research, development and technology as well as new business platforms. Previously responsible also for Investment Management, Information Technology, Procurement, Business Processes and Strategy. Served previously as Senior Vice President, Technology 2013–2019, Senior Vice President Technology and Strategy 2009–2012 and Vice President for the company’s Research and Technology unit 2007–2009. Previously served as Executive Vice President, Renewal and Development and Member of the Executive Team at Perstorp Group 2001–2007. Prior to that has served as R&D Manager and in various other positions at Neste 1989–2001. Chair of the Board of the Fortum and Neste Foundation.
Executive Vice President, Innovation
Ph.D. (Tech.), MBA
Member of the Executive Committee since 2009
Re-joined the company in 2007. Responsible for Innovation, including research, development and technology as well as new business platforms. Previously responsible also for Investment Management, Information Technology, Procurement, Business Processes and Strategy. Served previously as Senior Vice President, Technology 2013–2019, Senior Vice President Technology and Strategy 2009–2012 and Vice President for the company’s Research and Technology unit 2007–2009. Previously served as Executive Vice President, Renewal and Development and Member of the Executive Team at Perstorp Group 2001–2007. Prior to that has served as R&D Manager and in various other positions at Neste 1989–2001. Chair of the Board of the Fortum and Neste Foundation.
Christian Ståhlberg
(born 1974)
General Counsel
LL.M.
Member of the Executive Committee since 2017
Joined the company in 2017. Responsible for the Group’s legal affairs and compliance. Secretary to the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee, the Shareholders’ Nomination Board and to the Stakeholder Advisory Panel. Served previously as General Counsel of Rettig Group Ltd 2015–2017, Director, Legal in Pohjola Bank plc 2011–2014, Senior Legal Counsel in Neste Oil Corporation 2007–2011 and Senior Associate in Roschier Attorneys Ltd 1998–2007. Member of the Board of Directors and member of the Personnel and Responsibility Committee of Olvi plc 2023–. Member of the Legal Committee of Finland Chamber of Commerce 2023–.
General Counsel
LL.M.
Member of the Executive Committee since 2017
Joined the company in 2017. Responsible for the Group’s legal affairs and compliance. Secretary to the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee, the Shareholders’ Nomination Board and to the Stakeholder Advisory Panel. Served previously as General Counsel of Rettig Group Ltd 2015–2017, Director, Legal in Pohjola Bank plc 2011–2014, Senior Legal Counsel in Neste Oil Corporation 2007–2011 and Senior Associate in Roschier Attorneys Ltd 1998–2007. Member of the Board of Directors and member of the Personnel and Responsibility Committee of Olvi plc 2023–. Member of the Legal Committee of Finland Chamber of Commerce 2023–.