Vepe-Icepro has chosen Riku Kallioniemi, a prominent name in Finnish ice hockey, to lead the company as its CEO, effective January 15, 2024.
Vepe-Icepro, a global leader in ice hockey dasher board manufacturing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Riku Kallioniemi, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Formerly serving as the company’s board chairman, Kallioniemi brings a wealth of experience, having previously held the position of CEO for both the Finnish National Hockey League and SaiPa Hockey Club. His proven track record in both hockey and business, coupled with extensive executive leadership experience, make him the right leader to guide Vepe-Icepro into a successful and innovative future.
“I am delighted to keep perfecting this company’s narrative. The partnership between the board and operational management has been smooth, and I am enthusiastic about joining the team. Through the reliance on local expertise, Vepe-Icepro, a Finnish company, has achieved significant global recognition. Vepe-Icepro strives for a future full of ambitious goals and global success, making it easy to commit to them,” states Riku Kallioniemi.
As a part of the transition, Lasse Pylväs, the current CEO of Vepe-Icepro, is set to assume the role of Operational Director at Vepe Oy Peltonen Group. In addition to his new responsibilities, Pylväs will remain actively involved in fostering the success of Vepe-Icepro. His career reflects his seasoned background in operational management, including previous experience as an operational manager at Scanfil Ltd.
“The merger of Vepe’s sports unit and ICEPRO Ltd, completed in summer 2023, is a remarkable step for the company, and now our growth strategy will be greatly enhanced by the recent appointments. Lasse Pylväs has creditably managed the integration phase of Vepe-Icepro and Riku Kallioniemi is an excellent person to continue building the company’s success globally,” explains the group’s CEO Jarmo Poukkula.
About Vepe-Icepro
Vepe-Icepro, a subsidiary of Vepe Oy Peltonen Group, is a leading provider of ice rink equipment, offering solutions for various facilities from practice halls to world-class arenas. With a nearly fifty year legacy and a strong commitment to innovation, the company is reshaping the game experience for both players and audiences. Vepe-Icepro has manufactured and delivered over 4000 high-quality ice hockey dasher boards, solidifying its position as a crucial partner for ice halls and hockey clubs in 32 countries. The company’s latest innovation is state-of-the-art LED dasher boards, equipped with illuminated panels that surround the entire rink. The company is known for creating exceptional venues, with notable examples including:
- Winter Olympics 2018 in Pyongyang and 2022 in Beijing.
- IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship 2021 in Riga and 2022 in Tampere.
- First in the world: 360° LED dasher board system in Tampere 2021.
Vepe Oy Peltonen Group, which has offices and production facilities in Tuusula and Oulainen, Finland, boasts a rich history in the manufacturing of steel products dating back to 1934, and since 1976, they have been actively engaged in the production and innovation of ice hockey dasher boards.
