Mika Hannula has been elected as President, CEO of Tampere University of Applied Sciences
The application process for the position of President, CEO of TAMK eventually involved 14 candidates, out of which four shortlisted candidates were interviewed in a panel discussion open to the entire university community on 30.9.2024.
In addition to interviews, the recruitment process included a recruitment assessment carried out by an external consultant. TAMK Board of Directors selected Mika Hannula, current Vice Rector responsible for partnerships and strategic engagement at the University of Turku, to the position from amongst several experts, all of whom have worked in the field of higher education for a long time.
– We were lucky to be able to select the President from amongst many capable and highly experienced applicants. After a careful and multi-staged selection process, the Board's choice was clear and unanimous. Mika Hannula has a strong track record in leading the University as President and has been especially successful in partnership work to increase RDI funding. Upon his return to Tampere, he will in no doubt easily renew his local networks, while also bringing strong national and international networks with him, says Keijo Hämäläinen, Chairman of the Board of TAMK and President of the University of Tampere.
Mika Hannula has been Vice Rector for partnerships and strategic engagement at the University of Turku since 2020. He has also served as a member of the Board of Turku University of Applied Sciences, a part-time director of the Tech Campus Turku, and a key figure in establishing the rapidly growing Faculty of Engineering at the University of Turku. Previously, he was President of Tampere University of Technology. Mr. Hannula holds a D.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management and is also a Professor of Knowledge Management.
– Tampere University of Applied Sciences is one of Finland's leading universities of applied sciences, and the Pirkanmaa region offers an excellent operating environment full of opportunities. TAMK's greatest strength is its committed and skilled staff, with whom I look forward to building an even better future and together make TAMK an even better place to work and study, says Hannula.
The recruitment process of TAMK's President, CEO started in June 2024 and the application period lasted until August. The position attracted a lot of interest both in Pirkanmaa and Finland largely. In addition to the duties laid down in the Limited Liability Companies Act for the CEO, the President is responsible for efficient and productive management of the duties of the University of Applied Sciences. The President manages the operational activities of the University of Applied Sciences and decides on overall matters concerning the University of Applied Sciences. In addition, the President is responsible for the preparation, presentation and implementation of matters handled by the Board of Directors. Tampere University of Applied Sciences is the second largest and the second most attractive university of applied sciences in Finland and part of the Tampere Universities community.
Mika Hannula will start in his position as the President, CEO on 1.1.2025, but will begin to familiarise himself with TAMK’s activities on a part-time basis from 1 November 2024 onwards. Meanwhile Acting President Mikko Naukkarinen will be staying in his duty until the end of the year.
Further information:
Keijo Hämäläinen, Chairman of the Board, Tampere University of Applied Sciences and President, University of Tampere
tel. 0294 532107, keijo.hamalainen [at] tuni.fi (keijo[dot]hamalainen[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Mika Hannula,
tel. 0294 504695
