Ponsse marketing director Jukka Kytömäki named Ilves CEO starting 1 January 2027

Ilves announced that the board has appointed Jukka Kytömäki, currently marketing director at Ponsse, to succeed Risto Jalo as CEO of Ilves‑Hockey Oy on 1 January 2027. Jalo will remain in post through the end of 2026 to oversee the transition.

Jalo has led the company since 2017. Under his leadership turnover has tripled and the club has become one of Finland’s top teams. The board thanked him for nearly a decade of steady development.

Kytömäki brings experience in sales, marketing and growth leadership, with many years at Avant Tecno where he also ran the company’s US operations. He is already familiar with the club through practical cooperation, from contract negotiations to joint events.

Board chairman Jyrki Seppä said the search focused on a leader with proven experience in driving growth and developing organisations, someone to guide Ilves into its next development phase. Kytömäki called it an honour to join a club he has long respected. Jalo said he will remain fully committed to the job through the end of the year as the company prepares for the leadership transition.

Ilves‑Hockey Oy will continue implementing its strategy to strengthen its position as one of Finland’s leading sports and events businesses. The appointment comes as Ilves prepares for the 2026–27 season and related organisational announcements at the club’s season launch.