Starting as UPM's Chief Technology Officer in August 2023 Petri Hakanen In accordance with his job description, he leads the company's research and development activities, new business development and investment management by, among other things, taking care of the content of the company's strategic patent portfolio.
Predictions, especially of the future, are difficult. That doesn't particularly worry Haka.
“I have worked at UPM in printing papers, label and packaging papers and most recently in pulp as part of the UPM Fibres business. I think my previous experience has prepared me for this, as technology leadership looks across the entire group.”
His latest assignment perhaps prepared him more extensively than any other project. For five years, Hakanen led UPM's largest ever project, the construction of the Paso de los Toros pulp mill and related infrastructure in Uruguay.
“The core of the project was a pulp mill, but that would be an understatement. It was a large-scale platform development with wood supply, logistics and port terminals. At the same time, the project was a good example of successful public-private sector cooperation.”
A clear goal and the ability to give up
Hakanen's work focuses on the company's growth drivers and the development of new businesses, such as UPM Biofuels and UPM Biochemicals in the UPM Biorefining business area. Supporting the company's other growth businesses and developing new ones is also part of the task set.
The Biorefining business unit has an ongoing biochemical refinery project in Leuna, Germany, and investment planning for another biofuel refinery in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
UPM – The BioFore Company was adopted as the company's name in connection with a strategy change almost 15 years ago.
“The name was considered quite abstract at first. The forest is always important to us, after all, wood is our raw material. We now use it more efficiently, so that nothing goes to waste.”
Functional and production change involves processing renewable raw materials into new sustainable products that replace fossil raw materials.
That's why the slogan also includes the adjective "Beyond fossils."
"Creating something new requires the right kind of expertise, either in-house or acquired from outside. The focus must also be clear. In addition, the right metrics are needed to review the results. This is the best way to ensure that the operation becomes profitable."
Hakanen also emphasizes patience and the ability to let go. The road to innovation and product development is long and often foggy.
“A billion-dollar business doesn't happen overnight. It's possible that no business will happen at all. You also need to have the courage to abandon long-standing projects if things don't work out. Even if it feels painful.”
Three tips:
1. The forest industry is a suitable workplace for students from many fields. The sector needs analysts, ICT experts, operators and lawyers, among others.
2. It's worth learning the basics first. The field opens up better when you've also been familiar with the work at a production facility.
3. In general, I recommend studying something that motivates you. It can ultimately lead to many things.
