Kempower, a Finnish EV charging manufacturer that rode two Nasdaq listings to global ambition, now faces a major executive transition, just as it expands across Europe and launches megawatt charging hardware. The choice of successor will shape how Kempower navigates its next phase.

Shortly before the Ascension Day break, Kempower announced that CFO Jukka Kainulainen will leave the company after five years in the role. He will remain until early September to support the transition while the board searches for a successor.

Hours later, Revenio Group announced Kainulainen as its incoming CFO and leadership team member, effective no later than 1 September 2026.

The release itself was short. The significance is not.

Kainulainen joined Kempower before its public market era and became one of the key executives behind the company’s transition into a listed Nordic growth company. During his tenure, Kempower completed its 2021 listing on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland before moving to the Nasdaq Helsinki Main Market in 2023, a step that broadened the company’s institutional investor reach as it expanded internationally.

“Jukka has played a key role at Kempower over the last 5 years, in particular the company’s listing on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland in 2021 and the transfer to the Nasdaq Helsinki Main Market two years ago,” CEO Bhasker Kaushal said. “On behalf of the entire Kempower team, I want to thank Jukka and wish him every success in the next chapter.”

The emphasis in Kempower’s statement was notable. The company framed Kainulainen’s contribution primarily through the lens of listings, governance, and corporate development rather than operational finance.

That reflects the role he played during Kempower’s transition from growth company to publicly traded industrial technology group. His departure leaves a gap at a moment when investor communication and capital discipline remain central to the company’s credibility story.

Expansion continues while profitability remains in focus

Kainulainen exits during an active period for Kempower commercially and strategically. In the same week, the company announced an expanded European charging infrastructure partnership with Circle K, building on more than 200 charging points already deployed in Sweden and Norway. The agreement extends the relationship into additional European markets over the coming years.

Kempower also introduced its Mega Satellite Flex charger at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas on 6 May. The new system supports both high power CCS charging of up to 560 kW and Megawatt Charging System charging of up to 1.2 MW. Commercial availability in Europe and North America is scheduled for July 2026.

At the same time, the company is still working through the economics of scaling. Kempower reported a net loss of EUR 26.2 million for 2025, and shareholders approved no dividend at the 2026 AGM.

The board itself remained largely stable at the AGM held on 6 May in Lahti. All eight directors were re-elected. Vesa Laisi became chair, while Antti Kemppi was confirmed as vice chair.

Shareholder authorizations approved at the meeting also give management flexibility during the transition period. The board received authorization to repurchase up to 5% of outstanding shares and issue up to 10% new shares, including up to 2 million shares for incentive programs.

What comes next for Kempower

Kempower has not provided further detail on the CFO succession process, including whether the search is internal or external. But the appointment will carry weight beyond finance alone.

The incoming CFO will inherit a company balancing several priorities simultaneously: scaling European infrastructure partnerships, commercializing megawatt charging technology, managing expansion across Europe and North America, and improving profitability after a loss-making year.

Just as importantly, the successor will become a central figure in maintaining investor confidence during the next stage of Kempower’s growth story.

What Kempower is aiming to accomplish

Path to profitability

Having recorded a EUR 26.2M net loss in 2025, the incoming CFO must demonstrate a credible trajectory toward break-even and positive cash generation.

European infrastructure leadership

The Circle K partnership targets broad European deployment over multiple years, building on 200+ chargepoints in Sweden and Norway.

Megawatt charging (MCS) transition

The Mega Satellite Flex (available July 2026) positions Kempower to own the infrastructure layer of the MCS shift for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

US manufacturing growth

With facilities in Finland and the US, Kempower is deepening North American supply-chain domesticity — a tariff hedge and competitive differentiator.

Sustainability leadership

The 2026 NC State Manufacturing Leadership Award signals a deliberate effort to embed environmental performance into the corporate narrative.

Board-level capital discipline

Buyback and share issuance authorizations, alongside zero dividend, frame a posture of preserving flexibility and protecting the balance sheet.

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Leaders

Kempower’s capital markets architect departs for Revenio as CFO Kainulainen closes a five-year chapter

Kempower’s capital markets architect departs for Revenio as CFO Kainulainen closes a five-year chapter

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5 min read

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Credit: Kempower, Jukka Kainulainen

Credit: Kempower, Jukka Kainulainen

Kempower, a Finnish EV charging manufacturer that rode two Nasdaq listings to global ambition, now faces a major executive transition, just as it expands across Europe and launches megawatt charging hardware. The choice of successor will shape how Kempower navigates its next phase.

Shortly before the Ascension Day break, Kempower announced that CFO Jukka Kainulainen will leave the company after five years in the role. He will remain until early September to support the transition while the board searches for a successor.

Hours later, Revenio Group announced Kainulainen as its incoming CFO and leadership team member, effective no later than 1 September 2026.

The release itself was short. The significance is not.

Kainulainen joined Kempower before its public market era and became one of the key executives behind the company’s transition into a listed Nordic growth company. During his tenure, Kempower completed its 2021 listing on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland before moving to the Nasdaq Helsinki Main Market in 2023, a step that broadened the company’s institutional investor reach as it expanded internationally.

“Jukka has played a key role at Kempower over the last 5 years, in particular the company’s listing on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland in 2021 and the transfer to the Nasdaq Helsinki Main Market two years ago,” CEO Bhasker Kaushal said. “On behalf of the entire Kempower team, I want to thank Jukka and wish him every success in the next chapter.”

The emphasis in Kempower’s statement was notable. The company framed Kainulainen’s contribution primarily through the lens of listings, governance, and corporate development rather than operational finance.

That reflects the role he played during Kempower’s transition from growth company to publicly traded industrial technology group. His departure leaves a gap at a moment when investor communication and capital discipline remain central to the company’s credibility story.

Expansion continues while profitability remains in focus

Kainulainen exits during an active period for Kempower commercially and strategically. In the same week, the company announced an expanded European charging infrastructure partnership with Circle K, building on more than 200 charging points already deployed in Sweden and Norway. The agreement extends the relationship into additional European markets over the coming years.

Kempower also introduced its Mega Satellite Flex charger at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas on 6 May. The new system supports both high power CCS charging of up to 560 kW and Megawatt Charging System charging of up to 1.2 MW. Commercial availability in Europe and North America is scheduled for July 2026.

At the same time, the company is still working through the economics of scaling. Kempower reported a net loss of EUR 26.2 million for 2025, and shareholders approved no dividend at the 2026 AGM.

The board itself remained largely stable at the AGM held on 6 May in Lahti. All eight directors were re-elected. Vesa Laisi became chair, while Antti Kemppi was confirmed as vice chair.

Shareholder authorizations approved at the meeting also give management flexibility during the transition period. The board received authorization to repurchase up to 5% of outstanding shares and issue up to 10% new shares, including up to 2 million shares for incentive programs.

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What comes next for Kempower

Kempower has not provided further detail on the CFO succession process, including whether the search is internal or external. But the appointment will carry weight beyond finance alone.

The incoming CFO will inherit a company balancing several priorities simultaneously: scaling European infrastructure partnerships, commercializing megawatt charging technology, managing expansion across Europe and North America, and improving profitability after a loss-making year.

Just as importantly, the successor will become a central figure in maintaining investor confidence during the next stage of Kempower’s growth story.

What Kempower is aiming to accomplish

Path to profitability

Having recorded a EUR 26.2M net loss in 2025, the incoming CFO must demonstrate a credible trajectory toward break-even and positive cash generation.

European infrastructure leadership

The Circle K partnership targets broad European deployment over multiple years, building on 200+ chargepoints in Sweden and Norway.

Megawatt charging (MCS) transition

The Mega Satellite Flex (available July 2026) positions Kempower to own the infrastructure layer of the MCS shift for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

US manufacturing growth

With facilities in Finland and the US, Kempower is deepening North American supply-chain domesticity — a tariff hedge and competitive differentiator.

Sustainability leadership

The 2026 NC State Manufacturing Leadership Award signals a deliberate effort to embed environmental performance into the corporate narrative.

Board-level capital discipline

Buyback and share issuance authorizations, alongside zero dividend, frame a posture of preserving flexibility and protecting the balance sheet.

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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.

Devdatta Temgire is a data and business analyst at Listeds. He contributes research, data analysis, and pattern detection to the publication’s coverage of Nordic-listed companies, with a focus on board composition, leadership transitions, and financials. He holds an honors degree in artificial intelligence and data science alongside a bachelor’s in computer engineering, and previously worked at KPMG.

Devdatta Temgire is a data and business analyst at Listeds. He contributes research, data analysis, and pattern detection to the publication’s coverage of Nordic-listed companies, with a focus on board composition, leadership transitions, and financials. He holds an honors degree in artificial intelligence and data science alongside a bachelor’s in computer engineering, and previously worked at KPMG.

Authors

Journalist

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.

Devdatta Temgire is a data and business analyst at Listeds. He contributes research, data analysis, and pattern detection to the publication’s coverage of Nordic-listed companies, with a focus on board composition, leadership transitions, and financials. He holds an honors degree in artificial intelligence and data science alongside a bachelor’s in computer engineering, and previously worked at KPMG.

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Investor Event

Listeds Investor Event · Defence

Nordic defence is in a once-in-a-generation growth cycle. Eight listed and pre-IPO companies pitch to 100+ invited investors at Valkoinen Sali, Helsinki

21 September 2026

Latest on Listeds

Leadership Moves

Tiina Määttä takes LapWall's CFO and legal role as order backlog hits a record high

Sep 28, 2026

LapWall Corporation has named Tiina Määttä as Chief Financial Officer and Legal Officer, one day after announcing the departure of CFO Tuomo Riihonen. Määttä joins the management team on 1 October 2026. She takes over finance at the point where the company's full-year guidance depends on a sharper second half and on a factory ramp-up that has already slipped once.

Riihonen's employment ended on 24 September, the day his exit was announced, with CEO Jarmo Pekkarinen covering the CFO duties in the interim. No reason was given. Seven weeks earlier, Riihonen presented the half-year results alongside Pekkarinen. 

The first half delivered growth, but the guidance needs a margin step-up

LapWall's January to June revenue rose 24.0% to EUR 23.3 million, and EBITA grew 80.1% to EUR 2.0 million. The EBITA margin reached 8.6%, against 5.9% a year earlier. Between quarters, however, the margin moved the other way, falling from 9.5% in the first quarter to 7.9% in the second, although both were ahead of the prior year 

The company kept its guidance for 2026 of EUR 49 to 54 million in revenue and EUR 4.8 to 5.8 million in EBITA. 

Order backlog gives visibility, the Pyhännä factory sets the pace

Demand is not the constraint. The order backlog reached EUR 25.4 million at the end of June, the highest in the company's history, and the offer pipeline stood at nearly EUR 60 million. Pekkarinen pointed to data centre construction as a growing segment, including a supply agreement for XTX Markets' data centre project in Kajaani.

Capacity is the variable. The new Pyhännä factory, LapWall's largest investment to date, was about 95% complete on a cost basis at the end of June. In April, the aim was single-shift production across the whole factory during 2026. By August, the target to meet the investment's production goals had moved to the final quarter of the year, with the company noting that ramp-up remained behind its original schedule. Headcount rose from 127 to 143 over the year to June.

The redesigned role reflects a company scaling towards 2030

LapWall targets revenue of around EUR 100 million and an EBITA margin of 15 to 20% by the end of 2030. The new CFO mandate is built for that trajectory.

"The next phase of LapWall's growth strategy will bring new demands on management. The role of CFO combines financial management, forecasting and knowledge-based management, risk management and, as an important part, legal support for business operations. Tiina's extensive experience in financial, legal and business management, as well as international project business, strengthens the expertise of our management team in these areas. I warmly welcome Tiina to LapWall," says CEO Jarmo Pekkarinen.

Määttä's record fits that brief. She has held finance and legal advisory roles at Talenom and Greenstep, and served as CEO of Kymsol Group and COO of Kymsol, supporting domestic and international project businesses. For a supplier whose revenue is built on project contracts and whose net gearing stood at 60.0% in June, legal oversight of commercial terms sits close to margin protection.

"LapWall has boldly built the foundation for its growth strategy. I look forward to working with the staff, customers and stakeholders. It is great to be able to join a talented group to build LapWall's growth and future together," says Tiina Määttä.

Her first reporting cycle will show how much of the backlog the new factory can convert.

Leadership Moves

Aspocomp names Ville Raatikainen chief engineering and technology officer as new Oulu capacity arrives in 2027

Sep 25, 2026

Ville Raatikainen, a manufacturing engineering director at iLOQ with an R&D and product management background at Nokia, joins the Management Team on January 1, 2027. He is the second outside hire to the team since July, and he starts in the year the PCB maker commissions its expanded Oulu plant.

Aspocomp has appointed Ville Raatikainen (born 1984), M.Sc. (Eng.), as Chief Engineering and Technology Officer and a member of the Management Team from January 1, 2027. He currently serves as Director, Product Lifecycle and Manufacturing Engineering at iLOQ Oy and previously held R&D and product management roles at Nokia. Chief Technology Officer Mitri Mattila will stay with the company and report to Raatikainen. Mattila has worked at Aspocomp since 1997 and sat on the Management Team since 2018. 

Chief executive Manu Skyttä's endorsement speaks to production as much as to technology:

Ville has a strong track record in managing complex technical environments, improving production performance, and developing high-quality, cost-effective design operations. He has a strong background in both global listed companies like Nokia and fast-growing technology companies like iLOQ, and I am pleased to welcome him to Aspocomp. 

Six of seven Management Team members will have joined since 2024

Raatikainen follows Ilkka Lohi, who became Quality Director on September 2, 2026 in a role the company raised to Management Team level. Listeds data shows how far the renewal runs. Skyttä became chief executive in 2024 after serving as EVP, Operations at Patria, and Pekka Holopainen joined the team as operations chief the same year. Hanna-Leena Keskitalo and Terhi Launis followed in 2025, with Launis taking over finance on September, 2025. When the January 2027 line-up takes effect, Antti Ojala, a member since 2013, will be the only one whose seat predates 2024.

This is a team assembled for the expansion, not inherited from the loss years. The board supplies the sector memory. Chairman Ville Vuori is a former Incap chief executive, and director Anssi Korhonen was CTO of VTI Technologies.

The hire lands as Oulu moves from construction to yield

The Oulu program is worth more than EUR 10 million and aims to lift throughput capacity by up to 50%. Demand had already outrun the plant. At the strategy launch in November 2025, Skyttä said: “The capacity of the Oulu plant has been fully utilized throughout 2025, and demand has already exceeded our capacity.The growth in demand in our largest customer segments appears likely to continue over the next 5–10 years.” The building extension was finished on schedule and within budget, and new capacity is to be commissioned in phases throughout 2027. By July the automated warehouse was running, factory acceptance tests for new production lines had begun, and management said the second half would center on production quality and yield.

The risks are operational. Spare-parts shortages after an equipment manufacturer's bankruptcy slowed deliveries in the first quarter. Delivery times for laminates, fiberglass, resins and copper foil are lengthening and prices are rising, and the company warns that the installations may temporarily disrupt production. Those are manufacturing engineering problems, and that is the experience Raatikainen brings from iLOQ.

A record order book still has to turn into margin

Period

Net sales, EUR m

Operating result, EUR m

Orders received, EUR m

Order book, EUR m

Equity ratio

FY 2025 

38.2 (27.6)

0.9 (-4.0)

39.3 (37.0)

21.1 (19.9)

65.0%

Q1 2026 

9.7 (10.3)

0.2 (0.8)

12.2 (11.4)

23.5 (21.0)

63.9%

Q2 2026 

10.6 (10.1)

0.4 (0.2)

12.9 (8.8)

25.9 (19.8)

60.9%

H1 2026 

20.3 (20.4)

0.6 (1.0)

25.2 (20.3)

25.9 (19.8)

60.9%

The order book reached a record EUR 25.9 million at the end of June, with parts stretching to late 2027. Semiconductor customers placed 38% of second-quarter orders and defense customers 25%, while the five largest customers' share of net sales fell to 58% (75%). Profit has lagged, weighed down until the second quarter by low-margin orders agreed in 2024. Skyttä's position is unambiguous: “We expect profitability to improve in the second half of the year.”

Skyttä took that defense case to investors on September 21, 2026, when Aspocomp pitched at the Listeds Investor Event – Defence alongside Gofore, Kesla, Savox Communications and Betolar, with three more defense and dual-use companies presenting in a separate growth round. Helene Auramo, CEO of Listeds Oy opened the evening with the question “Can Europe build what it has ordered?” Skyttä gave his reply in a LinkedIn post afterward: “My answer, in short: not without PCBs.” In the same post he put Europe's share of global PCB production at 2.2% and said the number of European PCB makers has fallen from 593 to 168 since 2000. Aspocomp's order book already reflects that shortage, and its capacity to meet it is what the Oulu expansion will test. 

Aspocomp is aiming for EUR 100 million in sales and a double-digit margin

The 2026 to 2030 strategy targets more than EUR 100 million in net sales in the long term and an EBIT margin exceeding 10% in the midterm, with the aim of ranking among the top three PCB manufacturers and suppliers in selected European segments. Oulu alone will not deliver that. The company states that reaching the sales target depends on expanding its production network, also through M&A, alongside a wider partner network outside China. The expansion of Oulu plant  is funded by a directed share issue of about EUR 3.2 million and EUR 5.5 million in long-term loans, plus about EUR 1.75 million from the EU Just Transition Fund. For 2026, Aspocomp guides for higher net sales and a better operating result than the EUR 38.2 million and EUR 0.9 million of 2025.

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