Aspo Plc: Mikko Laavainen appointed Managing Director of Leipurin Plc, part of Aspo Group

ASPO Plc             STOCK EXCHANGE BULLETIN   February 18, 2016 at 13:00

MIKKO LAAVAINEN APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LEIPURIN PLC, PART OF ASPO GROUP

Mikko Laavainen, M.Sc. (Marketing) 42, has been appointed the new Managing Director of Leipurin Plc, part of Aspo Group, and a member of the Group Executive Committee of Aspo Group starting from March 1, 2016. Since 2006, Mikko Laavainen has worked as a director of Raisio Plc - in managerial positions in sales and marketing at first. Since 2012 he was in charge of Raisio Plc's Benecol operations.

"Mikko Laavainen's performance in the development of solution operations in the demanding international food market represents an excellent addition to the new strategy and development phase of Leipurin Plc. The future development of Leipurin Plc will focus not only on solid expertise in industrial baking, but also on Out-of-Home products and concepts, such as cafés and snacks."

"Leipurin holds a strong market position in Finland, Russia and the Baltic region. By appointing Mikko Leipurin's new Managing Director, we are looking for new development and growth. In western markets, it is important to have a clear understanding of the changing demands of consumers and to possess varied knowledge of the development of distribution channels. In eastern growth markets, such as Russia, Leipurin is seeking a stronger position, for example, by launching frozen bakery product concepts and by looking for new sales channels, such as cafés and service station chains. Paul Taimitarha, the current Managing Director of Leipurin Plc, will leave the company on February 29, 2016. I wish to thank Paul for his strong input in the development of Leipurin Plc, the creation of the new strategy and the start-up of changes, first as a member of the Board of Directors and now as the Managing Director," says Aki Ojanen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leipurin Plc.

In 2015, Leipurin's net sales amounted to EUR 118 million and the operating profit was EUR 2.4 million. Leipurin Plc is part of Aspo Group. Aspo's net sales in 2015 totaled EUR 446 million and its operating profit stood at EUR 20.6 million. Aspo's strategy is to own, lead and develop its businesses that are striving to become market leaders in their sectors. Aspo operates in 17 countries.

ASPO Plc

Aki Ojanen
CEO

Further information:
Aki Ojanen, CEO of Aspo Plc, Chairman of the Board of Leipurin Plc, tel. +358 9 521 4010, +358 400 106 592, aki.ojanen@aspo.com

Distribution:
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www.aspo.com

Aspo is a conglomerate that owns and develops business operations in Northern Europe and growth markets focusing on demanding B-to-B customers. Our strong company brands - ESL Shipping, Leipurin, Telko and Kaukomarkkinat - aim to be the market leaders in their sectors. They are responsible for their own operations, customer relationships and the development of these. Together they generate Aspo's goodwill. Aspo's Group structure and business operations are continually developed without any predefined schedules.