Confectionery manufacturer Kouvola's Lakritsi is getting a new CEO as Timo Nisula hands over the reins to his son Santeri Nisula. Santeri, who previously served as the company's chief operating officer, promises to stick with the good old days and come up with a few new things.
Kouvola's Lakritsi is facing a new challenge as Timo Nisula, who led the confectionery factory for almost two decades, is stepping down from the company's operational activities. Kouvola's Lakritsi's roots date back to 1906, but the factory has been running under Nisula's leadership since 2008. Nisula will remain the company's artistic director.
Son Santeri Nisula, who has been responsible for the company's operations director and deputy CEO, or "deputy sheriff" as he is known, will take over as CEO on September 1. The generational change that follows Nisula's father's 60th birthday in August has been planned for a long time.
– Since I was a child, I have been following my father's work, so the patterns are familiar. Now is the right time to jump into the role of CEO, as my father will be away from the day-to-day operations, says the younger Nisula.
The growing season continues
The new CEO holds a Master of Science in Economics. His studies in international trade have given him strong expertise in export and sales tasks.
– We are increasingly developing international trade. Our exports are currently doing quite well, but I also see a lot of growth potential, Nisula reveals.
Two years ago, Kouvola Licorice made investments and opened a second factory and a factory store in Kouvola. Growth has been stable in recent years. There are also growth plans for the future, but development must be controlled.
– There are signs of a larger company ahead. More systematic operations require the development of the entire operation. For example, we are introducing new technology. The goal is to increase turnover tenfold, but the growth must be sustainable in all respects, including in terms of personnel, Nisula describes.
Although the goals are ambitious, according to Nisula, not everything will be redone:
– Different people act differently, but my father has done a lot of good things. We will continue to focus on, among other things, the well-being of our personnel. We will continue to largely follow the old model, but with a new angle.
The answer to the most important lesson inherited from his father comes quickly from the new CEO:
– Attitude. Dad has always had it right. The boots are big for a young person, but the change feels good. No one can be perfect and learning takes time, but you grow into the boots over time.
Contact
Santeri Nisula, CEO
santeri@kouvolankritsi.fi , tel. +358 40 568 0928
Kouvola Liquorice has been making its products with uncompromising care since 1906. Behind the taste are a traditional manufacturing method, the right people, a refined recipe, a lot of love, and a supply chain that guarantees the freshness of every piece of licorice.