H.E. Ambassador Roy Eriksson

Mr. Roy Eriksson is the new Ambassador of Finland to Canada who started his four-year tenure in Ottawa in June 2019. Prior being stationed here; Eriksson was serving in Mexico as the Ambassador of Finland. From Mexico, he was accredited as Ambassador to nine other countries in Central America and the Caribbean.

Mr. Eriksson joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in 1990 and have since then had many postings abroad. Mr. Eriksson is not in Canada for the first time. He served in Ottawa between 1995 and 1998 as the Deputy Head of Mission in the Embassy. He has also served in Berlin, Germany and in the Permanent Representation of Finland in the European Union in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Eriksson has Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Helsinki.

Mr. Juhana Harju

• Senior Consultant, Crisis Communications and Public Affairs, Source Creative Oy.
• Company Board Professional
• Several positions of trust in Registered Organisations and Foundations
• Vice President of Finnish-Canadian Business Council since 2018

Mr. Seppo Rantala

Seppo Rantala started as a new Trade Commissioner March 1st ,2020. Prior to this assignment, he has worked for private sector in paper chemicals and printing industries with multiple responsibilities more than 25 years. He visited Canada first time in summer of 1987 to visit his relatives in Timmins. He returned to Canada in 1998 to work as a chemical specialist of Kemira Chemicals during a commissioning of new paper mill of Stora at Port Hawkesbury, NS. He worked for Kemira in Atlanta 2002-2005 as a Integration Manager of post-acquisition activities. He joined 2007 as a Managing Director of Helprint Oy, a subsidiary of Canadian based printing company Quebecor World. After leaving Helprint he has worked as an Interim Manager and Operations Director of Grano Oy.

Mr. Jonas Granqvist

Jonas Granqvist has been appointed as Senior Advisors in the new Business Finland office in Canada. Jonas is responsible for export promotion towards the Canadian market and attracting investments from Canada to Finland. The industry focus in Canada will be mainly on ICT, Cleantech, Health, Bio-Economy, and Consumer products.   

Business Finland is an accelerator of global growth. We are the Finnish government organization for innovation funding and trade, travel and investment promotion with about 600 experts in 40 offices globally and in 16 regional offices around Finland. Business Finland is part of the Team Finland network.

Mr.Seppo Tossavainen

Seppo Tossavainen has been appointed as Senior Advisors in the new Business Finland office in Canada. Seppo is responsible for export promotion towards the Canadian market and attracting investments from Canada to Finland. The industry focus in Canada will be mainly on ICT, Cleantech, Health, Bio-Economy, and Consumer products.   

Ms. Marika Arovuo

Marika is the current President of Canada-Finland Chamber of Commerce and the Founder and CEO of GRIT Online Inc.

Marika is a driven international business owner who has lived and operated successful businesses in three continents over the past 13 years. She 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.

Mr. Olli Vänskä

Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the construction and forest industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Manufacturing, Logistics Management, Strategic Planning, and Business Development. Long experience in purchasing, sales and sales management. Strong business development professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Forestry from University of Joensuu.