Finnish retailer Kesko has announced the appointment of a new group CEO.
Mikko Helander would take up the post from January 1, 2015, said the group in a statement.
Helander will succeed Matti Halmesmäki, who will remain as a special advisor until retiring in May 2015.
Helander will stand down as CEO of the Metsä Board Corporation in order to take up the new position.
Kesko has around 2,000 stores engaged in chain operations in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus.
Kesko Food is rapidly expanding in Russia as well as in online retailing.
Kespro, a Kesko Food subsidiary, is a leading wholesaler in the Finnish HoReCa sector.
"In Kesko's history, Mikko Helander will be the first President & CEO that has been nominated from outside the company," said board chair Esa Kiiskinen.
"He has a strong track record in effective business leadership in a rapidly changing operating environment."
Kesko's management is experienced and competent with the group's financial performance and condition very strong, explained Kiiskinen.
"This will provide an excellent basis for the work of the new President and CEO."
Kesko and K-retailers form the K-Group with retail sales of around €11.6 billion in 2013.
In addition to its operations in the food retail space, Kesko also has retail businesses in the categories of home and speciality goods, building and home improvement, and cars and machinery.
The K-Group employs around 45,000 people.
