Three new Professors of Practice at Hanken
Laura Ihanainen is specialised in sustainable development, especially on sustainable food value chains and grocery business. In recent years she has deepened her speciality on EU ESG regulation.
Ihanainen will have a leading and supporting role in project applications and give seminars and lectures for graduate students. She has a PhD in Marketing from University of Helsinki and has worked both in academia but also in the retail and software industry. Currently she is Senior Sustainability Manager at Kesko.
“I’m looking forward to co-operating with all super talented colleagues and students at Hanken. I believe that I can learn a lot from you and to give my knowledge from business and academic background and together we can achieve great projects and learning experiences”, says Laura Ihanainen.
Oskar Korkman is an expert in questions related to market-focused strategy development, and customer insights.
Korkman’s work as a Professor of Practice involves establishing new connections and ways to collaborate with companies and across academic disciplines to drive impact.
He will also be involved in lecturing for students.
Korkman has a PhD in Marketing from Hanken has worked with corporations worldwide, and within Finnish society with e.g. Sitra, Business Finland, and VTT. He now works at Alice Labs, a boutique consultancy that he co-founded.
”I am excited to return to Hanken. Market focus is critical for the success of Finnish companies. Within the Finnish innovation system, we tend to think of innovation in a supply and technology focused way. It feels important to work alongside my colleagues at the marketing department to strengthen Finnish marketing know-how”, says Oskar Korkman.
Kevin Deegan’s expertise lies in fostering a culture of innovation, where individuals are empowered to challenge themselves and thrive. A key aspect of his leadership approach is driving decision-making through the strategic interpretation of data and insights.
As a Professor of Practice, Deegan will be actively involved in lecturing, exploring opportunities for collaboration between Hanken and industry partners, and ensuring that students are exposed to relevant and forward-thinking perspectives in their education.
Deegan was awarded undergraduate degrees from University College Cork, Ireland and a PhD in Sensory Science from the University of Helsinki. Since then, he has held leadership roles at Valio and Saarioinen in the areas of consumer and market insight. Currently, he works at Valio as Vice President, Innovation.
“I am honoured to be appointed as Professor of Practice at the Hanken School of Economics. I aim to bring practical insights and real-world experience, to foster a learning environment that bridges theory and practice. My goal is to inspire students to think critically and innovate, while also contributing to the ongoing development of the School’s academic and industrial links. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and students alike to make a meaningful impact during my tenure", says Kevin Deegan.
Laura Ihanainen's photo: Antti Rintala
Oskar Korkman's photo: private
Kevin Deegan's photo: Valio