Topi Manner, CEO of Finnair, has informed the company’s stakeholders about his decision to step down from his position no later than March 1, 2024.
Manner is to become the CEO of Elisa Corporation, a Finnish telecommunications and digital services firm.
Manner took on the position of CEO at Finnair in January 2019 as the airline was enjoying record growth in profitability and passenger numbers and looking ahead to further fleet expansion. Under his leadership, however, the airline had to face the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of Russian airspace.
“Finnair has emerged from the double crises as a strong airline, as witnessed by our Q2 financial performance,” said Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae, the Chair of Finnair Board of Directors. “The Finnair team has shown their ability to adapt and transform, and we are in an excellent position to continue to connect Asia, Europe and North America. I wish Topi the best of success in his new chapter.”
Finnair ended Q2 2023 with €138.6 million ($154.1 million) in profit. The airline estimated its full-year profit to be between €150 and €210 million ($166.8 and 233.6 million).
“I am extremely proud of the way our organisation has responded, adapted, and succeeded,” Manner commented. “When I move to my new challenge, I will take many learnings with me.”
As the transition approaches, the Finnair Board of Directors will embark on the search for Manner’s successor.
Topi Manner was the first guest of our ‘Executive Spotlight’ series, in which he told us about his role in guiding Finnair back to growth.