Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta has been elected as the president of Haaga-Helia

Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta joins Haaga-Helia from her position as CEO of the Finnish Education Employers (FEE). She has worked for a long time in the higher education sector, for example, as the Chief Development Officer at the University of Helsinki and as the Vice President for Education at Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Niinistö-Sivuranta defended her doctoral dissertation in education in 2013 at the University of Tampere.

– Susanna will be a leader with a strong network and an extensive knowledge of the higher education field. She is in an excellent position to implement Haaga-Helia's strategy, says Ari Akseli, Chairman of the Board of Haaga-Helia.

Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta is eagerly awaiting her new position at Haaga-Helia.

– It is an immensely inspiring mission to help shape Haaga-Helia into a strong, international, and flourishing university of applied sciences – aligned with the new strategy and in partnership with the higher education community. Haaga-Helia's diverse expertise in teaching and research, development, and innovation – combined with strong partnerships, close collaboration with working life, and a well-known can-do attitude – is impressive. It endures even in challenging global circumstances. With a focus on students, learning and future competence, we will move forward together, says Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta.

Haaga-Helia's current President, CEO Teemu Kokko will continue in his position until the end of 2025, and he will officially retire after his holidays in early June 2026.