Nokian Tyres has proposed Jouko Pölönen, CEO of eQ Oyj, as the new chair of the board of directors, marking a leadership change ahead of the 2026 annual general meeting, tentatively scheduled for late March.

Pölönen would succeed Jukka Hienonen, who has said that he will not be available for re-election after serving as chair, the tire maker announced on Jan. 9. Pölönen brings extensive experience in financial services and listed companies, including asset manager eQ and Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance.

Alongside the chair change, the shareholders’ nomination board proposed Tom Adams as a new member of the board. Adams, CEO of Belgian automotive supplier VCST International, brings international industrial and leadership experience, strengthening the board’s global perspective. Elina Björklund is proposed to continue as deputy chair, drawing on her background in finance, investments, and board governance. Björklund is the board chair of children's clothing brand Reima Group. Other continuing directors include Susanne Hahn, Markus Korsten, Elisa Markula, and Antti Mäkinen.

The nomination board also proposed modest increases in board remuneration. The chair’s annual fee would rise to EUR 120,000, with 40 percent of all annual fees paid in Nokian Tyres shares and the remainder in cash.