YLE’s Board of Directors appointed Lauri Kivinen as the new Director General of YLE on 18 February. 

Lauri Kivinen currently works as the Head of Corporate Affairs at Nokia Siemens Networks, and is responsible for public relations and corporate responsibility. Previously, he occupied several leading positions in Nokia.

The process of appointing the Director General took about a year. The Board of Directors screened dozens of candidates found by an external recruitment company specialized in recruiting management. ”YLE searched for a professional manager to successfully lead a modern public service company into the future”, says Kari Neilimo, Chairman of YLE Board of Directors.

"Lauri Kivinen’s broad experience in leadership, acquired in the area of communications, as well as his international experience and knowledge about the  interest groups were decisive elements in the choice”, says Neilimo.

The board of Directors thanked Mikael Jungner for his excellent work in renewing the company, stating: "YLE continues as a modern public service company in line with the strategy the current Director General created.”

Jungner’s mandate as Director General of YLE expires at the end of April 2010.