HAMK’s president selection process is in its final stages; the board is interviewing the top candidates
President Pertti Puusaari is set to retire at the end of the year, and the selection of his successor is proceeding on a tight schedule. HAMK’s Board of Directors’ recruitment committee will interview the top candidates in early June, with the goal of selecting the new president by Midsummer.
The application period for the position ended on May 15, 2026. By that date, 19 applicants had submitted their applications, four of whom withdrew their applications. Consequently, 15 candidates remain in the selection process.
Ten of the candidates requested that their names not be made public, but the names of the five finalists are public.
Candidates are:
- Ari Sivula
- Heidi Ahokallio-Leppälä
- Mari Vuolteenaho
- Matti Sarén
- Raine Hermans
“We have had several excellent and highly qualified candidates in this process. I am confident that HAMK will appoint a new president who has everything it takes to lead the university forward in the best possible way,” says Anne Laatikainen, Chair of the Board of HAMK.
HAMK can only publish the names of those candidates who have given their consent.
More information
Anne Laatikainen, Chair of the Board of HAMK, tel. 050 564 9868
