NIT founder Kenneth Luoma has announced that he is to retire, stepping down from the daily business operations of NIT and selling his ownership in the company. He has transferred his shares to NIT management, and Vesa Heikkinen, Ilkka Hiekkanen and Sebastian Lagerlöf have become new owners.
Jari Suominen will continue as CEO of NIT and remains the largest shareholder of the company following the ownership change. The price of the transaction will not be published.
“Kenneth has decided to retire, which is something he deserves very much,” says Suominen.
“We respect his decision and thank him for his long-term contribution to the success of the company and his professional friendship, which has been very rewarding for us. I am happy that there was an opportunity to expand the NIT ownership among its group of competent and committed employees who already work for the company. I believe that this solution is the best for all: customers, the former and new owners, and most of all, our staff.”
NIT will retain access to Luoma’s significant experience, as he will continue to be a member of the company’s board. According to Luoma, the state of the company today provided an appropriate opportunity to shift operational responsibility to the next generation of business leaders.
“I know them well and I have a great deal of trust in their commitment to the long-term development of NIT. Shipbuilding is an extremely interesting and challenging business. There will be so many inspiring challenges ahead of us.”