Industry Leaders Juhani Haapaniemi and Elina Viitanen appointed GMBA representatives in Finland
by MaryAnne Edwards 1 Oct 23:09 PDT
Elina Viitanen © GMBA
The Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) is proud to announce the appointment of Juhani Haapaniemi and Elina Viitanen as the new GMBA advisors for Finland.
With over 65 years of combined experience in the marine and tourism industries, they bring a wealth of knowledge, international networks, and proven leadership that will further strengthen GMBA's global team.
Juhani Haapaniemi has held senior executive roles across the Finnish and international boating industries for more than four decades. A founding partner of Silver Boats, Juhani has led business development, production, and international marketing for major brands including Buster, Fiskars, and Finnmaster. His expertise spans corporate leadership, strategic business development and export growth. Beyond manufacturing, he has been actively involved in major tourism and hospitality ventures.
Elina Viitanen brings over 30 years of strategic marketing and communications expertise, with a strong track record in building international brands in the boating and tourism sectors. She has led global marketing campaigns, managed dealer networks, and coordinated major boat shows and product launches across Europe. Elina's background includes leading roles with Yamaha Motor Europe N.V., Branch Finland, Finnmaster Boats, and international education export initiatives. She is recognised for her ability to drive brand growth, develop new markets, and deliver tangible results through creative and strategic execution.
Together, Juhani and Elina have collaborated for nearly 15 years, combining their complementary skills in internationalisation, funding strategies, and brand development. Their consultancy, PookiPro Management, has successfully delivered more than 300 projects, from national research initiatives to global marketing campaigns.
Kai Malmivaara, GMBA Spokesperson, welcomed the appointments:
"Juhani and Elina are highly respected professionals whose experience and networks make them a tremendous asset to GMBA. Their expertise in both the business and marketing sides of the industry, combined with their deep knowledge of international markets, will bring valuable insights for companies looking to grow in Europe and beyond."
The addition of two such seasoned professionals underscores GMBA's commitment to offering unparalleled expertise and global reach. With their appointment, GMBA strengthens its presence in Northern Europe, providing clients with even greater access to trusted local insights and international opportunities.