20 years of Hankendagen and Hanken & SSE

Place
Helsinki,
Online
Room
Assembly Hall
20 år av Hankendagen och Hanken & SSE
Welcome to celebrate 20 years of Hankendagen and Hanken & SSE - Navigating a changing world

Join us on 7 November 2025 at Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki to celebrate the milestone of 20 years of Hankendagen and Hanken & SSE Executive Education. Themed "Navigating a Changing World", this event features distinguished speakers sharing insights on strategic readiness and international growth, and the keys to success in a rapidly changing world.

Enjoy inspiring keynotes, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. End the day with a celebratory dinner in Auditorium Maximum, featuring a three-course meal and entertainment.

Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and celebrate. Welcome!

Programme 7.11.2025

14.30 Registration

15.00

Welcoming words
Ingmar Björkman, Rector, Hanken School of Economics
Marc Hinnenberg, CEO, Hanken & SSE Executive Education

Keynote: The World in Momentum – Recipe for success in a changing world
Kjell A. Nordström, PhD, Author & Researcher

Strategic readiness of organisations – a multi company case study
Mari Tasanto, D.Sc. Growth Area Director, Hanken & SSE Executive Education
Violetta Khoreva, Assistant Professor in Management and Organisation, Hanken School of Economics

16.30 Coffee and networking break

17.00

Keynote: Creating international growth – reflections from my first 20 years in the consumer goods industry
Kai Gyllström, CEO, Atria Plc

Discussion led by Kamilla Sultanova, DEI consultant and event host

Participating are:

  • Kai Gyllström, CEO, Atria Plc
  • Kjell A. Nordström, PhD, Author & Researcher
  • Mari Tasanto, D.Sc. Growth Area Director, Hanken & SSE Executive Education

Announcement of Alum of the Year 2025

Closing words

18.15 Cocktail and networking 

19.00 Dinner in Auditorium Maximum

The event is hosted by Robert Ingman and Lotta Backlund

Participation

We invite you to join the free event at Hanken (Arkadiankatu 22, Helsinki) or follow the programme online. The dinner fee is 60 €.

The seminar is aimed at alumni from Hanken School of Economics and invited guests of Hanken & SSE Executive Education, and also for students, staff and corporate partners. The programme will be held in English.

Register here

More information will be sent to registered participants closer to the event.

The organisers withhold the rights to adjustments in the programme.

The last day to register is 22 October 2025.

Speakers

Kjell A. Nordström

Kjell A. Nordström, PhD, Author & Researcher

With Ghandi-like charisma and a unique ability to predict the future, Kjell A. Nordström is one of the world’s most loved and sought-after lecturers. An expert on multinational organizations, Nordström has helped companies – and, indeed, entire societies – to navigate periods of growth and crisis since the 1990s. His mastery of his craft, sharp eye for detail and deep experience infuse his keynotes and leave few in his audiences unaffected.

Dr. Nordström is a prolific writer, in his sixth book, Momentum (2023), co-written with Per Schlingmann, he examines how the world has been affected by the pandemic, the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine. His stance: we are in the middle of a historic moment where citizens, co-workers and capital all expect something new — and the consequences will be all-encompassing.

Mari Tasanto

Mari Tasanto, D.Sc. Growth Area Director, Hanken & SSE Executive Education

Mari Tasanto has over 10 years of experience in various manager positions and also international experience from HRD and talent management positions. She has worked over 15 years in leadership development and organizational development consulting and training organizations. Mari specializes in strategic capabilities consulting and competence management. She has designed and delivered several talent development programs internationally. Another focus area is management team development and potential assessment of management teams. She is passionate about themes like continuous learning and organizational renewal and her mission is to support the potential of the organizations as well as individuals.

Violetta Khoreva

Violetta Khoreva, Assistant Professor in Management and Organisation, Hanken School of Economics

Violetta Khoreva is a Research Fellow in Human Resource Management at Hanken School of Economics and holds the title of Docent in Business and Management at the University of Helsinki. Previously, she dedicated a decade to her role as an Assistant Professor at Hanken School of Economics. Her research has focused on managing people and AI technologies, exploring themes such as the integration of AI technologies in the workplace, technological agency and organizational dynamics, psychological and social aspects of AI technologies, and the role of strategic human resource management in the context of AI advancements. Currently, Violetta's research is centered on rethinking humanness and human relations in the Age of AI. Her contributions have been featured in academic outlets, including Human Relations and Human Resource Management.

Kai Gyllström

Kai Gyllström, CEO, Atria Plc

Kai Gyllström, Hanken alumnus from 2001, is the CEO of Atria Plc, a position he has held since June 1, 2023. He holds an M.Sc. in Economics and an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Before joining Atria, Gyllström had an extensive career with Arla, where he served in various leadership roles, including Managing Director of Arla Sweden and Arla Finland. His international experience spans from Finland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, USA and Saudi Arabia. Gyllström also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors in the Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation and as a member of the Board of the Confederation of Finnish Industries.

Kamilla Sultanova

Kamilla Sultanova, DEI consultant and event host

Kamilla Sultanova is an award-winning DEI consultant, top50 in Finland on DEI related content creation, accomplished speaker and event moderator. Kamilla has guided hundreds of international professionals in connecting with Finnish employers, while enabling Finnish companies to leverage diverse talent through university-driven projects she led at Hanken between 2019 and 2022. Recognized as a 2025 finalist for the Evento Awards’ Event Host of the Year, Kamilla is a sought-after moderator known for engaging top leaders, including CEOs, HR directors, and policymakers, on Nordic and global events and platforms. With expertise in social sustainability, innovation, and resilience, she brings dynamic energy to strategic kick-offs, international forums, and executive-level discussions. Kamilla also pioneers impactful initiatives like the Suomi+ podcast, giving visibility to accomplished internationals across Finnish municipalities.

Event hosts

Robert Ingman

Robert Ingman, Founder and CEO of AVU Events

Robert Ingman began his career in finance at Evli Wealth Management before transitioning into the event industry in 2008. He is the founder and CEO of AVU Events, a company specializing in the production of high-end corporate events—including client seminars, strategy days, staff parties, live streams and concerts—across Finland and internationally. Alongside his role as an entrepreneur, Robert has also pursued a distinguished parallel career as a professional actor. He is a well-known host of large public events such as Raasepori Festival and Lauttasaari Day & Venetians, each attracting audiences of over 10,000 guests. Robert holds an M.Sc. in Finance from Hanken and during his time at Hanken, Robert was honored with the prestigious Friendship Award—a distinction granted to only one student each year in recognition of exceptional collegiality and community spirit. 

Lotta Backlund

Lotta Backlund, Director of Brand and Culture at Miltton Group

Lotta Backlund is a communications expert and leader, renowned for her strategic vision and dynamic leadership. Currently serving as the Director of Brand and Culture at Miltton Group, Lotta has extensive experience in communication, content creation and sales.  Before joining Miltton, Lotta was the Head of Communications and PR at Rovio, where she managed the company's public image, strategies and both internal and external communication. Additionally, she has served as a political advisor to the Mayor of Helsinki, providing strategic communication advice and managing public relations. Lotta's career also includes a significant role at Warner Bros. International Television Production Finland, where she led format development and sales. Beyond her corporate roles, Lotta is a popular speaker, podcaster, author, and columnist and former stand up comedian. Most importantly, Lotta was president of the Hanken student union in 2003 and served on the board of Hanken in 2002-2004.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding the event, please feel free to contact alumni@hanken.fi.

Looking forward to seeing you at the event!