University of Cumbria

Åbo Akademi University

London Business School

Hallituspartnerit

COO  -  Global Business Program Management  -  Business Development  -  Consultant  -  Director  -  Coach  -  Mentor

In the wake of our organizational restructuring, I've embraced the role of Ecosystem and Account Manager within the Customers & Networks unit. My purview encompasses the ITC and rail traffic sectors, where I forge and nurture ecosystems, partnerships, and alliances. Collaborating extensively with corporations, startups, SMEs, and universities, my focus is firmly on driving innovations and R&D initiatives.

As I persist in steering the substantial Veturi programs, I'm infusing them with fresh, innovative elements. Concurrently, I maintain my influential positions on the management teams of the #Dataeconomy and #6GBridge programs. My commitment also extends to representing #BusinessFinland on the management board of #Gaia-X, under the leadership of #Sitra, ensuring our collective endeavors in data economy and technology continue to thrive.

Business Finland

Ecosystem & Account Manager

As the Ecosystem Lead within the Networks Innovation Ecosystem Platform (NIEP) team, I occupy a strategic role that drives the creation and delivery of groundbreaking services, solutions, and innovations. My mission is to empower Finnish enterprises to globalize their expertise, services, and innovative solutions.

I spearhead the Veturi programs and oversee a consortium of companies linked to the Nokia Veturi initiatives. My responsibilities include managing investments totaling 50M€ across various programs and projects, with the ambitious goal of integrating over 200 companies into the consortium by 2030. My primary focus areas are telecommunications and associated services and solutions.

In my capacity, I manage the research programs dedicated to 6G technology. I am also an integral member of the steering teams for Gaia-X in Finland, the 6G Bridge, and Data Economy programs.

My current professional concentration lies in telecommunications, particularly 6G and the Data Economy, as well as digitalization, edge computing, and Gaia-X related initiatives. Additionally, I am accountable for maintaining the integrity of our CRM usage and the corresponding reporting within our unit.

Ecosystem Lead

As a pivotal figure in KONE's Delivery Operations unit, I spearhead the deployment and execution of a strategic global transformation project. My role encompasses driving process enhancements, as well as the development of innovative tools and solutions, contributing to the elevation of productivity and profitability across the corporation. I have successfully managed the simultaneous transformation of operations across 42 countries, showcasing my capability to handle complex, large-scale changes.

In January 2020, I was entrusted with leading one of the four principal streams of KONE's core enhancement program, while also serving on the steering and management team. This program is a significant ecosystem initiative designed to boost productivity, streamline deliveries, and enhance profitability within the construction industry. My leadership in this program underscores my commitment to fostering operational excellence and delivering tangible results.

KONE Corporation

Global Business Program Manager

e2 produces research-based knowledge and advice for organisations, businesses, media and politicians. Professional research, popularization and fluent processes – all in one package. On my initiative the think tank refined its strategy and moved away from any political party affiliation. Supporting fact-based decision making to ensure the democratic prosperity is the mission of e2.

E2 tutkimus

Board Member, Advisor to the management, Thinktank

As an integral leader at one of Finland's foremost private foundations, I spearhead the strategic and operational facets of associations and adult education. My role encompasses the formulation and execution of strategies, steering organizational change to align with new directives, and enhancing processes. I oversee development projects with an annual budget of approximately 2-3 million euros, ensuring impactful support and financing.

In a transformative move, I shifted the foundation's focus from solely awarding grants to making strategic impact investments. I architected and deployed a comprehensive system for managing grants, applications, communications, and reporting, which is now operational across all SFV sectors.

As a member of the management team, I have supervised the renovation of our three offices to reflect our operational evolution. My governance contributions extend to serving on multiple boards, reinforcing our commitment to adult education and related services. My leadership roles include:

- Leadership team member, guiding operations, staff, and financial planning.
- Project and Program management, ensuring excellence in execution.
- Board member at Opintokeskukset r.f., e2Tutkimus, Bildningsalliansen, IDnet, studiefonden, and läromedelsfonden, contributing to strategic direction and oversight. 

My tenure reflects a dedication to fostering educational opportunities and steering our foundation towards a future of greater impact and innovation.

Svenska folkskolans vänner

COO, Principal Director, Head of Unit, Education

Adviced and assisted CEOs who needed/wanted to have access to private and confidential support. We were a group of independent consultants who collaborated in  projects to maximize client value.

Essen Executive

Partner, Business Coach (Interim)

Recruited to develop business with start-ups and growth companies in the accelerator function governed by the City of Helsinki. Helped 12 companies to enter the market, refined business plans, created value proposition and coached the leadership for forthcoming negotiations.

NewCo Helsinki / City of Helsinki

Senior Business Advisor

Enrolled as an interim head of Nordics to drive the recruitment and talent acquisitions across the Nordics. Reported directly to the managing director and the board in Newcastle.

SHARK Executive Search

Head of Nordics (Interim)

Under my influence and advisement the conference grew both in geographical  as well as technology coverage. Events management, growth strategies, industry wide networking and liaison are areas where I provided advice.

Monaco Mediax

Executive Advisor, Business Coach, Strategy and Growth

Contracted through my company  as an interim sales and alliance manager for strategic accounts to ArcSoft inc. and ArcSoft Multimedia Technology Licensing. Responsible for Sales and Marketing related in Europe.

ArcSoft

Vice president of Strategic Accounts, Sales and Marketing - Europe (Interim)

Direct all aspects of a consulting company specialized in providing coaching, consulting, recruitment and financial investment facilitation for regional and global clients. (Profit and Loss) P&L responsibilities, develop and manage operational processes including budgeting, strategic development, sales and marketing, and new business development functions. 

As explained below my work together with ArcSoft, Monaco Mediax, SHARK Executive Search and Essen Executive were all interim positions I held with these companies. 

Other companies I have worked with include:
Strategic Business Advisor      - Creve / Humak (Turku, Fi)
Pertec-Consulting                    - Senior Leadership Consultant (Espoo, Fin)
CMR Cavendish Mgmnt Res.  - Consultant Director ( London, UK)
Shark Executive Search	– Regional manager Nordics, Global (Newcastle, UK)
Wellkom Ltd 			        – Global Commercial Director (London, UK)
Kovalo 			                – Partner, Member of the board (Helsinki, FI)
Academedia 			        – Member on the advisory board	(Stockholm, SVE)
CBTec 				        – Advisor & Business Coach ( Helsinki, FI)
Novus Technologies		– Advisor & Business Coach ( Helsinki, FI)
Dimcos                                    – Advisor & Business Coa (Turku, FI)
MyHealthWay                          – Advisor & Business Coach (Turku, Fi)

InSix

Chief Executive Officer

Managed the Global Ecosystem development initiatives for Nokia, NFC (Near Field Communications). Oversaw forward thinking business development functions, identified new innovations and technology solutions for the Nokia product range.

Nokia

Director of Global Ecosystems, Partnerships, Alliances and Ecosystems

Internet strategies as well as business development work within strategical projects to Nokia Services business. Focus on Business development and Partnership strategies.

Director, Strategy and Business Development

Overlooked and managed the entire range of operative partners. Responsible for  pre-installed applications on devices. Streamlined the work for scalability, sustainability and efficiency. Lifted Nokias partnering readiness to a new level.

Director of Partner Portfolio Management

Promoted to Director of Partnerships and Development. Completed high profile negotiation processes, directed organisational build-up and transformation change in the Device Experience (DEX) unit. Coordinated the business relationship with more than 80 companies. 

Credited for defining the alliance and partnership strategy for the DEX unit, managing a team of 18 partner managers located at 8 different sites. 300+ licensing, distribution, and application sales negotiations completed and delivered. Successfully positioned products for commercial success, cementing the company’s relationship with partners while ensuring Nokia’s market dominance at the time. 

Managed three different business development teams:
- Consumer driven services and applications with critical internet partners such as Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Facebook etc.
- Business and Mobility services and solutions i.e. Cisco, Microsoft, Alcatel, Boingo, Devicescape etc.
- Partner portfolio and deployment team delivering the solutions on the Nokia devices.

Based on achieved  results and 360 degree feedback I was recruited by and trained by Nokia HRD Academy to act as an internal mentor and coach for Directors and Senior Managers. 

Presented key corporate initiatives to the board, partners, engineers, and members of the press and public speaking engagements at international trade-shows.

Director of Partnerships and Development

My responsibilites were business development and market penetration for alliance and partnership services. Working on the global level I covered mainly large and strategical accounts.

Head of Global Partnerships and Development

Responsible for the strategic partnerships program for Mobile Phones. Close internal collaboration with Multimedia Unit & Markets Unit in Nokia tasked to procure external industry leading brands, known for their innovation and established position to be preloaded or distributed together with Nokia Mobile Phones. 

With the Nokia re-org I was nominated to Head the Partnerships and Development team in the Devices Unit in Nokia

Business Development Manager, Partnerships

SW strategy and road mapping responsible for driving supply line management for preloaded games and applications as well as Technology licensing (Camera & Multimedia).

Responsible for the Operator Sourcing strategy program and related customization efforts .

Sourcing Manager

Global Account manager esponsible for procurement of 3rd party solutions to support all product categories.  
Core member of the team who that rolled out the Forum Nokia Developer PRO program. Grew the business from 0 to multiple millions in revenue in three years

Business Development Manager

Led the international business group. Managed a team of 8 consultants delivering tailored face-to-face development projects and training's for customers. Provided sales support, generated new business, and defined new concepts and executed internal development needs.

Responsible for international projects as well as "Virtual Teams" consultancy projects. Organizational development, change management and operational excellence was at the core of the offering.

WM Data - HumanPro

ITC Consultant, Business Coach, Facilitation, Sales

Lead principal for the Swedish sector in Helsinki. Responsible for the in-service training for teachers in particular to ICT, curricula development and the coordination of EU projects for the schools. Revised the curricula, re-built the school premises to support the new curricula and influenced the overall guiding curricula for the City of Helsinki. Re-structured and transformed the schools of Helsinki to meet new possibilities defined by the new curricula.

Initiated, planned and project managed a multimedia CD-ROM program called  "A Day in Helsinki" which was distributed in 90 000 copies to schools around Europe. This work was completed ahead of schedule and below budget. 

Supervised a big cultural projects where students and professionals collaborated on a musical. The musical was a huge success and seen by 6000% more people than what was budgeted for. 15 additional shows where delivered upon public request in order to accommodate that.

Sixten Sandström