Velipekka Nummikoski has announced that he will leave his position at Veikkaus, marking the end of a 14-year journey that witnessed significant changes in Finland's gambling landscape. Initially, Nummikoski served as the CEO of the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY) before taking on the role of Deputy CEO at Veikkaus following its formation from a merger in 2017.
His exit comes at a crucial time, as Veikkaus gears up for imminent reforms in Finland's gambling market, moving towards a more competitive regulatory framework.
Nummikoski joined RAY in 2012, just as the gambling industry was beginning to embrace digital transformation. After the merger of RAY, Veikkaus, and Fintoto, he became Deputy CEO at Veikkaus, where he was responsible for public affairs, corporate responsibility, and communications. In recent years, he collaborated closely with CEO Olli Sarekoski on strategic initiatives as the company adapted to the changing market environment.
In response to Nummikoski’s resignation, CEO Sarekoski expressed gratitude for Nummikoski's extensive contributions to the company, stating, "Velipekka Nummikoski has had a long and distinguished career at Veikkaus and has held several demanding management positions. I would like to warmly thank him for his significant work for the company." He added that Nummikoski's role in advancing public relations and corporate responsibility was particularly noteworthy, wishing him success in his future endeavors.
Reflecting on his tenure, Nummikoski characterized his time at Veikkaus as an invaluable opportunity to help navigate the organization through an era of major change. "I started as RAY’s CEO in 2012 at a time when digitalisation was starting to change the gambling industry. I had the opportunity to be involved in the merger of three companies into a new Veikkaus and on the way to a competitive market. It has been a great privilege to work in the midst of this transformation," he said. He concluded his remarks by thanking his colleagues for their support throughout the years.
As Nummikoski departs, Veikkaus is poised to enter a new phase, prepared for the liberalization of Finland’s gambling sector, a shift that could bring heightened competition and oversee regulatory changes in the industry.
