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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Market Signals

Rainmaker buys Inhouse Group to close its B2B gap ahead of a possible First North listing

Oct 7, 2026

Rainmaker has agreed to buy all shares in Yellow Holding, owner of B2B sales outsourcer Inhouse Group, and is investigating a listing on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland. The Finnish sales and customer service outsourcer had 2025 turnover of EUR 45.9 million.

Rainmaker buys Inhouse to close the gap on its EUR 7 million B2B target 

Rainmaker aims to grow its B2B business to around EUR 7 million by the end of its 2025 to 2027 strategy period. B2B sales revenue was EUR 1.6 million in the first half, up from EUR 1.0 million. Two pilot assignments did not move into production, and volumes in its SDR service fell in spring before recovering in early summer. Inhouse covers prospecting, customer acquisition and appointment booking, and will keep its own brand. The purchase price was not disclosed.

“Inhouse Group has built a strong position in demanding B2B solution sales and developed operating models that perfectly complement Rainmaker's business entity. The acquisition supports our strategy to grow and strengthens our position as a growth partner for our customers,” says Tapio Korttilalli, CEO of Rainmaker, in the press release.

Inhouse follows two acquisitions in the first half of 2026

In February, Rainmaker bought telephone sales company Myyntimestarit and its roughly 60 sales professionals. It also bought Digizer's e-commerce customer service business.  First-half revenue rose 14.2% to EUR 24.6 million, with organic growth of 10.6% and acquisitions adding 3.6 percentage points. Comparable EBITDA rose to EUR 1.7 million, or 7.0% of revenue, the bottom of its 7 to 10% medium-term target range.

The balance sheet has been rebuilt for a listing since spring

In June, pension insurer Veritas subscribed EUR 2.0 million of new shares, equal to 11.76% of shares after registration. “The company's growth prospects and market position create a solid foundation for the company's future development and it is really great to be part of this story,” says Theo Laakso, portfolio manager at Veritas.

Interest-bearing net debt fell to EUR 5.6 million from EUR 9.7 million a year earlier, or 1.5 times rolling EBITDA. In July, several loan arrangements were replaced with a single long-term facility with fewer covenants.

Two holding companies own more than 90% of the shares

Before the Veritas shares were registered, GTW Group held 58.56% of Rainmaker and Divest Group 34.34%. The company says a listing would strengthen its capital structure and fund organic and acquisition-driven growth. A new company form, an outside equity investor and simpler debt all point the same way. The Inhouse deal gives prospective investors a first look at what a listing would pay for.

Leadership Moves

Boreo names Lassi Simola CFO, ending nearly a year of a split finance function

Oct 6, 2026

Boreo has appointed Lassi Simola, currently Workout and Restructuring Executive at Nordea, as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Group Management Team. He starts no later than 4 January 2027, ending an interim arrangement that has divided the finance role between two people since February.

Boreo brings back a CFO after deciding in February to manage without one

In December 2025, Boreo announced that CFO Jesse Petäjä would step down and said it had started recruiting a successor. In February 2026, it changed course and decided not to appoint a CFO for the time being. Rafael Osmanov became Head of M&A and Financing, and Vice President Finance Sami Hanerva took over financial reporting.

Once Simola starts, Hanerva will report to him in his current role. Osmanov will support the onboarding, and his contract ends by the end of March 2027.

The new CFO and the CEO both come from private equity and consulting dealmaking

Simola has more than 15 years in finance, over 10 of them in private equity, and is a CFA charterholder. Tuomas Kahri, CEO since 1 April 2026, was previously a partner at McKinsey & Company and Intera Partners. The hire is the first CFO appointment under Kahri.

“Lassi brings to Boreo strong expertise in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. He has extensive experience working with small and medium-sized companies and possesses an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities these businesses face,” says Tuomas Kahri, CEO of Boreo, in the press release.

Boreo has spent 2026 preparing its balance sheet for acquisitions

Boreo grew 2025 net sales by 14% to EUR 153.3 million and operational EBIT by 17% to EUR 8.0 million, and its board proposed no dividend to strengthen the financial position. The April 2026 AGM approved that proposal. First-half 2026 net sales rose 14% to EUR 84.6 million, operational EBIT rose 21% to EUR 4.3 million, and operating cash flow improved to EUR 3.7 million.

The portfolio is moving in both directions. In July, subsidiary Floby Nya Bilverkstad sold its vehicle painting business Lackmästar'n. On 1 October, Boreo bought technical textiles maker TEXpro for an enterprise value of EUR 1.6 million, paid from existing cash.

“With its strengthened financial position and renewed focus on acquisitions, I believe the company is well positioned to pursue its growth strategy,” says Lassi Simola.

TEXpro, with EUR 1.7 million in net sales, shows the scale of Boreo's deals so far this year. A CFO hired for his acquisition record suggests the board expects that scale to grow.

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