As of 1 September 2013, Tapio Kolunsarka has been appointed executive vice president of UPM Raflatac and a new member of the UPM group executive team.

He will transfer to the new position from his current post as senior vice president of UPM Raflatac EMEA. Mr Kolunsarka has over ten years’ experience in business development and general management in Europe and the Americas. He joined UPM Raflatac in 2002, and has since held various key positions within operations, supply chain and business management. 

‘I am excited to be taking the helm at UPM Raflatac. Our company has a successful growth track record spanning 40 years, based on excellent customer service and first-class expertise,’ Mr Kolunsarka said. ‘Our firm aim for the future is to continue serving customers even better.’

Current head Jussi Vanhanen has decided to leave UPM after 18 years, to pursue personal interests in writing and to act as a management advisor at a leading consulting company. 

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed over a decade with UPM Raflatac and the global labelling community, and will definitely miss it. At the same time, it is clear to me that it is time to renew myself and look at life and business from a different angle,’ Mr Vanhanen said. ‘I plan to complete a book, a novel, which I started writing some years ago. I know I will regret later if I do not take this step. I also feel comfortable leaving now, because I know I am leaving UPM Raflatac in great hands for the future.’

UPMTapio Kolunsarka has been appointed executive vice president of UPM Raflatac