OBS International Advisory Board visited Oulu to support strategy work and hear stakeholder expectations

The Oulu Business School had the honor of hosting members of its International Advisory Board in Oulu on 25–26 August 2025. The board members – Karen Spens, Rector of BI Norwegian Business School; Isabelle Fagnot, Dean of KEDGE Business School; and Rickie Moore, Associate Dean of EM Lyon Business School – met with stakeholders of the Business School and shared valuable expertise to support the update of the school’s strategy.
Kauppakorkeakoulun kansainvälinen ohjausryhmä kuvattuna kauppakorkeakoulun dekaani Janne Järvisen, koulutusdekaani Satu Nätin ja Martti Ahtisaari Instituutin varajohtaja Sauli Sohlon kanssa.

The International Advisory Board of OBS supports the school in developing its strategy and operations. The members hold leadership positions at respected European business schools located in Oslo, Norway, as well as Bordeaux and Lyon, France.

During the two-day visit, the board met with the Mayor of Oulu, the CEO of OP Pohjola, and visited Bittium Plc.’s headquarters to learn about stakeholder expectations towards the Business School and its alumni.

A successful visit strengthens continuous improvement

The board members expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit:

“It has been great to get to know the local business community and to see the role the Business School plays in the city, as well as how it is regarded as an important part of the city’s future. The school clearly has regional impact.”

The ease and honesty of cooperation were also praised.

“Congratulations on the journey you have taken on. It has been a pleasure working with you, and it is clear that the Business School has great advocates, contributors and alumni.”

“It has been an honor to be selected as part of the advisory board and a joy to visit Oulu. I will continue reflecting on these topics even after the visit.”

Ohjausryhmä ja kauppakorkeakoulun henkilöstöä kuvattuna Bittium-vierailulla.

The Advisory Board visited Bittium’s headquarters. From left to right: Isabelle Fagnot, Dean of KEDGE Business School; Janne Järvinen, Dean of Oulu Business School; Satu Nätti, Dean for Education, Oulu Business School; Rickie Moore, Associate Dean of EM Lyon Business School; Karen Spens, Rector of BI Norwegian Business School; and Sauli Sohlo, Deputy Director of the Martti Ahtisaari Institute.

Last updated: 28.8.2025