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(AsiaGameHub) –   Veikkaus has named Ilkka Kosola as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with responsibilities that include supervising the regulatory overhaul of Finland’s gambling sector.

Kosola will assume the position at the end of September 2026, becoming part of the executive leadership team to reshape Veikkaus prior to Finland’s shift to a multi-licence online gambling framework, set to launch at the beginning of next year.

First launched in 2024, this regulatory reform will see the Finnish government roll back parts of the monopoly rights awarded to Veikkaus, meaning the firm will no longer act as the sole provider of online gambling services in Finland.

His hiring is directly tied to Veikkaus’ 2030 strategy, which outlines the group’s goals to evolve into a more flexible, commercially competitive, and globally reputable operator.

Core pillars of this strategy include stricter financial governance, enhanced capital efficiency, and the capacity to implement structural adjustments – all areas where Kosola is slated to take the lead.

CEO Olli Sarekoski stressed the significance of this appointment. He stated: “Ilkka’s extensive, global experience leading finance and IT departments, paired with his demonstrated track record of delivering change and carrying out strategic deals, makes him an ideal match for Veikkaus as we steer through this era of major transformation.

“We are certain that his expertise will be an enormous asset to our company and our executive leadership team as we progress toward our 2030 strategic objectives.”

Kosola joins Veikkaus from Reaktor, where he held the post of Group CFO, and has previously occupied senior positions at Adven Group, TietoEVRY, Basware and Fortum. His professional background covers leading financial restructuring efforts, building digitally powered finance teams, and incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI into financial workflows.

Commenting on his new role, Kosola said: “I am excited to join the Veikkaus team and to be given the chance to contribute to the next stage of this well-known Finnish institution’s development.

“Veikkaus stands at a critical juncture in its history, and I am keen to put my experience to use to support the company’s transition and the rollout of its new strategy amid the opening up of the licensing market.”

The CFO appointment coincides with wider governance overhauls at Veikkaus, pointing to a planned restructuring of the operator’s leadership team in preparation for the upcoming regulatory changes.

During its March 2026 Annual General Meeting, the company updated its Board of Directors, keeping Kaisa Olkkonen in the role of Chair while adding new members to boost its expertise in international business and transformation projects.

Olkkonen remarked on the board update: “Our preparations for the new licensing framework and the introduction of competition in the Finnish market are progressing smoothly, and at the same time we are working toward our target of becoming a respected, successful international gambling group by 2030.

“The Board has been enhanced with deep experience from firms that operate in global markets as well as those that have navigated complex transformation scenarios, which will greatly support Veikkaus as it continues its transition.”

Combined, the changes at both the executive and board level highlight Veikkaus’ aim to align its governance, overall strategy and financial strategy – positioning the operator as a top brand before the new regulatory rules come into force.

As Finland moves closer to implementing its multi-licence system, the operator is faced with the twofold challenge of upholding its public remit while demonstrating that it can compete effectively amid commercial pressures.