Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä appointed President, CEO of HAMK
The Board of Häme University of Applied Sciences has appointed Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä as HAMK’s new President, CEO. She currently serves as Vice President at HAMK and will begin in her new role on 1 October 2026.
In making its decision, the Board emphasised above all a forward-looking approach. The role called for a person who will lead HAMK boldly into the 2030s.
“Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä is future-oriented and highly motivated to take HAMK forward with a strong drive for renewal. She has shown herself to be a strong and impactful networker who also understands the value of leadership,” says Anne Laatikainen, Chair of the HAMK Board.
The Board’s selection group interviewed five top candidates, two of whom were then sent for a personal assessment.
“At this point, we have chosen the most qualified and best-suited leader for HAMK. The selection process showed that Häme University of Applied Sciences is an attractive higher education institution, as the position drew interest from several highly qualified and skilled candidates. We were in a good position, as we were able to make a genuine choice from among several candidates,” Anne Laatikainen says.
HAMK’s current President, CEO Pertti Puusaari will retire at the turn of the year.
Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä is 55 years old and has worked at HAMK since 2006: first as Human Resources Manager, then as Director of Human Resources and Development, and since 2016 as Vice President.
“I am delighted by this trust and take on the role with great enthusiasm. HAMK is an excellent platform for learning, innovation and regional renewal, and I am excited to help take it to the next level. Our aim is for HAMK to become an even stronger and higher-quality actor at the European level in the future,” Ahokallio-Leppälä says.
More information:
Anne Laatikainen
Hallituksen puheenjohtaja
Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu
puh. +358 50 564 9868
Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä will be available for interviews about the role of President, CEO and HAMK’s future in the autumn, when she begins in her new position.
