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Directors of the Board

Marika Arovuo

Marika Arovuo

President of the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

Founder and CEO of GRIT Online Inc.

Marika's profile

Marika helps businesses grow through designing elegant digital experiences that generate leads, convert clients, and encourage ongoing transactions.

For Marika nothing is more satisfying than working together with entrepreneurs to plan and execute custom digital marketing strategies that propel their businesses to a higher level. She has a holistic approach that aligns both the business and digital marketing aspects for success. She loves to see clients reach their goals, and feel proud of their achievements.

She lives by the values that her company name, “GRIT Online” was formed around:

  • Growth mindset
  • Resourcefulness
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork

Marika is a driven international business owner who has lived in multiple of locations around the world and operated successful businesses in three continents over the past 17 years. She has been serving in the CFCC board as a member, Vice President, and President since 2017. She was awarded an Honoree in Business category in Halton Newcomers Strategy program for her contributions towards the local community. She is an Honorary Member of Finnish Association and a Mentor of multiple business and networking organizations around the world. She holds BSc in Computer Science and is a Certified Digital Marketer by HubSpot and Hootsuite University.

Marco Beretta

Marco Beretta

President

Pelto Agri Inc.

Marco's profile

While completing a bachelor of commerce, Marco began his career in the investment banking sector, specifically structuring and closing private and public financings. After several years, Marco decided to join the family commercial real estate business. Here he brought his expertise to begin a new division of the company, Pelto Agri where he currently resides as President.  Pelto Agri specializes in increasing farmland value through development and strategic farming strategies, with their newest venture being in the fresh fruit sector.

With his vast experience in fund raising and management, Marco is excited to serve another term with the CFCC.

Jacques S. Darche

Jacques S. Darche

Lawyer - Partner

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Jacques' profile

As a multi-faceted litigator who strives for the best results for the parties I represent, I am regularly retained by various clients facing complex problems. I have extensive knowledge of and experience with the workings of Québec’s civil courts, as well as the rules of various international commercial arbitral institutions.

Antti Harjuoja

Antti Harjuoja

Founder and CEO

NextMile

Antti's profile

As Founder & CEO of Nextmile, I help companies to transform retirement into competitive advantage. Nextmile is a start-up focusing on developing a life stage service for active people to make most out of the retirement through online content, social networks and professional opportunities. For employers we deliver a clear process for the last years of a career, relevant data, information and tools for managers for better leadership of senior employees.

In business I see myself as an influencer, networker and visionary impact business builder. I have background in professional ice hockey in Finland, Sweden and France. After that I studied and graduated as Industrial Management Engineer in Helsinki and worked in companies like CGI, Mercuri International and SAP in sales, sales management, business and concept development. Last 10 years I’ve been an entrepreneur and freelancer in SME companies developing new concepts into market.

Miikka Huomo

Miikka Huomo

Presales Consultant

Nokia

Miikka's profile

Miikka moved to Canada from Finland early 2011. He was born, raised, and educated in Finland. He holds M.Sc. in telecommunications and has been working most of his professional career in Telco sector Nokia where last +12 years in Canada as Pre-Sales Consultant for Canadian operators. Beyond telecom he is interested in clean energy, technology, and science.

Marianne Mannerheim

Marianne Mannerheim

Vice President of the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

President of the Executive Advisory Council of the Swedish Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Marianne's profile

Marianne’s strength is entrepreneurship, leadership and emotional intelligence. She believes that, coupled with a positive spirit, honesty, integrity, equality and respect for others creates the pillar for success. Her six languages were a major asset in the global business world in which she operated.

Marianne got her postsecondary degree in international business and language studies from a joint program of the Universities of Stockholm, Sweden and Lausanne, Switzerland.

In 1974 she co-started Klimatsystem Original AB, in Stockholm, Sweden, a manufacturer of vehicle heating and air conditioning systems for off highway vehicles. It later expanded via MCCII to include busses and trains in the public transportation sectors globally.

As CEO and chairwoman of MCCII, Mobile Climate Control Industries Inc., Canada Marianne lead the company to become listed at the Toronto Stock Exchange 1997. She had previously listed the company at the Alberta Stock Exchange in 1996.

The company was ranked as one of Canada’s 100 fastest growing companies. Marianne was ranked number seven in Profit Magazine’s annual list of 100 Top Women Entrepreneurs.

In addition, Marianne has served on boards of various organizations.

Elina Nurkka

Elina Nurkka

Director of Innovation, Research & Sustainability

Innovision Holdings Corporation

Elina's profile

Elina has worked extensively in the Canadian textile and apparel industry, focussing on research and innovation, more recently specializing in sustainable development. Through her work with companies ranging from start-ups to established manufacturers, she has gained diverse experience in product and business development. Elina has earned two master’s degrees in textile engineering from Europe and completed MBA studies at the Toronto Metropolitan University. As an advisor at The Fashion Zone at Toronto Metropolitan University she advises Canadian entrepreneurs and start-ups in product development and sustainability. Elina is a lifelong learner and always looking for new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Amanda Rissanen

Amanda Rissanen

Senior Human Resources Associate

CIBC

Amanda's profile

I’m a dedicated Human Resources Specialist who has years of experience in recruiting, and coordinating
and supporting various HR initiatives in the banking sector. My educational background is in business, and I have an MBA degree in Internal Business and Entrepreneurship. I started my professional career in Finland as a sports program leader after years of coaching swimming, and during the last 6 years living in Canada I’ve held various positions from customer service roles to HR associate. Personally, I enjoy meeting and getting to know new people and I am passionate about building and maintaining personal and professional relationships.

Auli Rasanen

Auli Rasanen

Treasurer of the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

Entrepreneur; experienced and skilled Business Operations Manager at FINNCOPERA

Auli's profile

Auli has a passion for finance and international business & trade. She has worked for small, mid, and large size organizations in B2B and B2C – field. Her international work experience comes from England (UK), Germany, Nordic Countries (EU) and Canada. She is experienced in collaborating with stakeholders at all levels of an organization across borders including auditors, authorities, customers, and suppliers.

Auli spent her first career in (international) pharmaceutical business. She has served on boards of Finnish Language School both in Munich & Toronto as well as Canadian Friends of Finland Education Foundation in Toronto. Her 7+ years’ of experience in financial business comes mainly from international banking business.

Auli is a strategic thinker who has a strong desire to learn new skills and grow continuously. She is also eager to learn about different businesses and industries. Auli believes in teamwork: a group of people who share their skills & strengths, and work together, can achieve bigger goals than anyone could on their own. Hence, she is excited to start to serve the CFCC and share her diverse (international) work experience with the current and new CFCC Board members.

Auli holds B.Sc. in Pharmacy, BBA in International Business and MBA.

Bawani Thyalan

Bawani Thyalan

General Manager

Finnish Credit Union Limited / Osuuspankki

Bawani's profile
Victor Silverstin-Racine

Victor Silverstin-Racine

Secretary of the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce Board

Senior Advisor at Énergir

Victor's profile

Living in Montréal, Victor is a business consultant at Aviseo Conseil. He has worked for 8 years in a public utility in Québec and he also has worked as a PR consultant. He is interested in building links between Finland and Canada since he completed his master’s degree at Tampere University in Innovative Governance and Public Management. He wrote his thesis on the management of the transition of Nordic ambassadors. At the Chamber, he wants to raise the profile of Finnish businesses and expertise in Québec.

Honorary Directors of the Board

Antero Elo

Antero Elo

President and CEO

Finnish Credit Union

Antero's profile

As President and Chief Executive Officer of The Credit Union, Antero specializes in conducting a full range of financial services and innovative products in a friendly, professional and personalized manner.

As part of a friendly knowledgeable professional team, Antero believes in providing reliable, efficient services to enhance the financial well-being of both company and members.

After graduating with a degree in mathematics and economics, Antero now has over 50 years of experience in the IT field.  Much of his time has been spent in business system design and business process improvement. After over a decade as the CFO of a large labour organization, he was appointed to his current position.  The IT and business consulting firm he founded in 1966 is now operated mainly by his sons with only overall direction and guidance from him.

Tuula M. Kivinen  CCM

Tuula M. Kivinen CCM

Honorary President

Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

Tuula's profile

Tuula has Degrees in Textile Design and Hotel & Restaurant Management (Finland). She has done post-graduate work at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Tuula has been a Director of Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce Board since 2001. She held the position of President and Vice-President for a number of years and is now a Honorary President and lifetime member.

Tuula established  her very on company 1984 Tuula Flowers of the World and Tuula Kivinen Design LTD, she sold the company  in 2013.

In 2012, Tuula was the first female recipient of the Finnish Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Award for her involvement in the Finnish Community. Over the years, Tuula has been an active member on the following boards:

  • The Cornell Society of Hotelmen
  • European Union Chamber of Commerce Toronto
  • Club Managers Association
  • Scandinavian Businessmen Association
  • Finnish Expatriate Parliament.

Tuula has been involved in many fundraising committees including Canadian Opera Balls, The Duke of Edinburgh Challenge Gala Dinners, Justin Eve Gala Dinner, Brazilian Carnival Balls, ROM Foundation Gala Dinners, Festival of Festivals (now known as TIFF), Joseph Health Center Foundation Gala Dinners, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Team Canada World Culinary Olympic Compotation, Canadian Sports and Fame Foundation Gala Dinners, PC Foundation Fundraising Dinners, Finland’s Independence Day Gala Dinners and CFCC Golf Tournament Fundraising Events.

In her spare time, Tuula enjoys live theater, opera, classical music, art, cinema, aqua exercises, walking, good food & wine, and reading Finnish and international authors. Travel has been a passion for her, she has been fortunate to travel the globe on numerous occasions. A yearly visit to Finland is a must. She likes to see how Finland has changed and become one of the best places to live in the free world. A place that expats, like Tuula, are very proud of.

Markku Kankaala

Markku Kankaala

Entrepreneur, Representative of Tecwill Ltd. in Canada

Markku's profile

For the past three years I have been the Sales Manager for Canada-USA market for Tecwill Oy/Ltd which is the world’s  leading concrete batch plant manufacturer based in Finland.

I have been working earlier in construction companies management in Canada for 15 year, for example Prof Tech and Rankine Construction. Prior coming to Canada I worked with large construction companies, like EKE Group, SRV International and MARC International, Eastern Europe top management.

I studied in Oulu University  Finland, Economics, Political Science, Political History and Sociology.

My hobbies have always been culture and sports. I have organized amd managed multiple of Canada Finnish/Nordic events during including TIFF, NXNE Music Festival, and CMW.

Our Combined Experience

Years of Business Experience

Countries Worked

Industries

Board Meetings

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191 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K1

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