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Business

Aktia Bank revamps exec committee, appoints Rekola and Abdeen as EVPs
Aktia Bank revamps exec committee, appoints Rekola and Abdeen as EVPs

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Credit: Aktia Bank

Credit: Aktia Bank

Aktia Bank Plc is reorganizing its executive committee and business structure, splitting its banking operations into private and corporate segments and integrating group business support functions into core operations.

Part of the changes, Karin Rekola and Ilari Abdeen will join the leadership team in new executive vice president roles effective May 1, 2026, and by September 1, 2026, respectively, the Finnish lender announced today.

Rekola, who has held profit-and-loss leadership roles at Aktia since 2021, has been appointed EVP of private customer business and executive committee member. Moreover, Abdeen, former CEO of Kivra Oy, will become EVP of corporate customers and a member of the committee.

The announcement signals the first 2026 management team additions for the provider of banking, asset management and life insurance services, based on Listeds data.

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During the transition, Anu Vainio will continue to lead corporate customers before moving to oversee premium and personal banking within the private customer unit. Chief Financial Officer Sakari Järvelä has been named deputy CEO. As part of the restructuring, Sini Kivekäs, head of group business support, will depart as her unit is dissolved and integrated into business areas.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Karin Rekola and Ilari Abdeen to Aktia’s Executive Committee,” CEO Anssi Huhta said, adding that the changes support the bank’s growth strategy and customer-focused approach.

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Authors

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

Authors

Emmi Laine is head of business content at Listeds and our lead for finance and business coverage. She sets the editorial agenda, interviews Nordic business leaders, and writes stories, newsletters, and social content on timely market and corporate topics. Emmi brings nearly eight years of experience from Shanghai's Yicai Global / Yicai Media Group, where she was awarded for reporting on China’s economy, finance sector, and technology innovation. She holds an MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Master’s degree in International Design Business Management from Aalto University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culture Studies with a major in Journalism from Stockholm University and has studied Mandarin Chinese and Chinese culture. Emmi is a Finnish citizen and has lived in Finland, Sweden, China, and Portugal.

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