One chapter of Norsepower’s remarkable growth story ends and another begins as Mr Tuomas Riski passes his CEO position onto Mr Heikki Pöntynen, who has been a member of Norsepower’s board. Mr Pöntynen has held several maritime management positions in Finland, China, Hong Kong, and the USA. Norsepower thanks Mr Riski for the significant contribution that he has made over a decade of leadership and welcomes its new CEO to continue the company’s accelerated scaling.

It is with gratitude and optimism that Norsepower announces the resignation of Mr Tuomas Riski as CEO and the appointment of Mr Heikki Pöntynen to the leadership position. It is quite natural that a growth company CEO at some point in time passes on the baton to a follower – and this is what is happening now. The CEO change is ongoing and Mr Pöntynen will now take his position as the CEO of Norsepower. Pöntynen has vast experience in maritime growth companies, which makes him a perfect fit for the current phase of the company.

New CEO Mr Heikki Pöntynen said: “I’m delighted to join the expert Norsepower crew and am eager to throw myself into supporting the Norsepower team to succeed in their ambitious goals. This is a rare opportunity – to build a game-changing company and help in the critical role of reducing emissions from the global shipping industry.”

Chairman of the Board of Norsepower, Mr Erik Floman added: “Tuomas is a true pioneer and has been a superb asset for creating Norsepower; without him, we wouldn’t be the market leader of mechanical sails with a full order book. We want to thank Tuomas for the incredible job he has done. I’m also thrilled that Mr Pöntynen will join the team, bringing his considerable experience from working with companies at a similar phase of growth.”

Before starting at Norsepower, Mr Pöntynen served as a senior executive with Planneri, R&M Group, Rauma Marine Constructions – Rauma Shipyard, Elomatic and MacGregor Group. He also holds an M.Sc. degree and EMBA from Kellogg, Northwestern University-WHU.

Former CEO Tuomas Riski commented: “I’m extremely proud of what Norsepower is today. As a co-founder, I’ve had the privilege to lead our talented team and grow the company from an idea to a proven product. Norsepower is today the global market leader in the business of mechanical sails, shifting the whole maritime industry towards its Net Zero goal.”