Alum Erja Sankari’s business studies provided a strong foundation for her leadership journey

As a student at the Oulu Business School, Erja Sankari studied accounting as well as business leadership and development. Her academic portfolio was complemented by minor studies in statistics, industrial engineering and management, and law, as well as courses in physics, mechanics and French, reflecting her broad intellectual interests. She says that her studies taught her “how to learn” and how to make effective use of information.

“I believe these experiences shaped me into a capable professional, ready to take on a wide variety of roles and responsibilities. They also fostered intellectual curiosity and the ability to think broadly and critically.”

She also highlights the networking skills she developed during her studies. Professional networks have played a crucial role throughout her career, and one of her most important early networks was formed while she was still a student.

“I have sometimes jokingly said that one of my core strengths is being a ‘central coordinator’ – connecting people and ideas in ways that create added value.”

A commitment to lifelong learning

Erja Sankari’s upward career trajectory began in a start-up company and subsequently took her through a long career at Nokia and later iLOQ, before leading to her current position as CEO of Foamit Plc. In addition, she serves on the boards of several companies and foundations.

“At QPR Software, which was then a start-up, I worked alongside more experienced colleagues on development projects for businesses and municipalities. In a small, early-stage company, you gain exposure to a wide range of responsibilities. I also developed an entrepreneurial mindset and learned how an entire business operates.”

During her time at Nokia Networks, she was regularly presented with opportunities to progress into new positions: from development roles to leading a development team, then to positions as Quality and Environmental Manager, Materials Manager, and ultimately Factory Director.

“Throughout my career, I have followed a guiding principle of continuous learning. I have deliberately challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities.”

Four cornerstones of her career

Following her time at QPR, Erja Sankari identifies four key milestones in her professional journey.

The first was her role as Factory Director at Nokia’s Oulu factory from 2013 to 2018, during a period of significant transformation when the factory’s future was threatened by strategic changes within the company. Through major automation initiatives and other productivity-enhancing development projects carried out together with the entire workforce, the factory’s competitiveness was successfully demonstrated. Today, the factory remains an important and thriving part of Nokia’s Oulu operations.

The second milestone was her position as Head of Nokia’s Global Mobile Networks Supply Chains between 2018 and 2022. At its peak, she was responsible for 3,500 employees across 84 countries. This period included the rollout of the 5G product portfolio, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the chronic global shortage of semiconductor components, all of which placed significant pressure on international supply chains.

The third important phase was her tenure as Chief Operating Officer of iLOQ from the beginning of 2022 for nearly four years. In a rapidly growing international company, leadership involves a great deal of change management. The role also brought responsibilities beyond supply chains, including data-driven management and sustainability leadership. During this period, iLOQ grew from a company of fewer than 200 employees to more than 350 employees operating in 14 countries.

The fourth cornerstone is her current role as CEO of Foamit.

“This is my first Chief Executive Officer position and, at the same time, my first leadership role in a publicly listed company. Once again, I have learned a great deal about leadership, including performance management, shareholder governance, and working closely with the board of directors. Public companies operate within a highly regulated governance framework, and regular reporting and investor communications are essential areas of responsibility.”

Contributing to the business school community

The Business Advisory Board supports the Oulu Business School in developing its alumni activities and external relations. Erja Sankari accepted the role of Chair because she wanted to give back by sharing her international expertise and experience. She also emphasises that the future business potential of Northern Finland depends on a vibrant and competitive university and business school capable of continuing to produce talented graduates.

She highlights two particular areas in which she wishes to make an impact through the Business Advisory Board.

“I want to strengthen the Business School’s key advantages and attractiveness in the competition for top talent and prospective students. My goal is also to bring an external, international and business-oriented perspective to the development of the School’s activities and strategic priorities.”