Velipekka Nummikoski is set to exit Veikkaus, wrapping up a notable 14-year career that coincided with critical developments in Finland's gambling industry. He began his tenure as the Chief Executive of the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY) before transitioning to Deputy CEO of Veikkaus after the merger that formed the state-operated entity in 2017.
His resignation comes as Veikkaus gears up for significant reforms in Finland's gambling market amidst a shift towards a more competitive regulatory landscape.
Nummikoski joined RAY in 2012, at a time when digitalisation was beginning to influence the gambling sector. Following the merger of RAY, Veikkaus, and Fintoto, he took on the role of Deputy CEO at Veikkaus, where he was responsible for public affairs, corporate responsibility, and communications. In recent years, he has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives alongside CEO Olli Sarekoski, aligning the company for changes within the Finnish gambling market.
In a statement regarding Nummikoski's departure, Veikkaus CEO Olli Sarekoski expressed his gratitude, 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."
Sarekoski also highlighted Nummikoski's valuable contributions to Veikkaus's corporate development, noting, "I appreciate his extensive experience and his contribution, especially in the development of public relations, responsibility and communications. I wish him the best of luck in the future."
Looking back on his career, Nummikoski remarked on the privilege of guiding the organization through a time of major structural changes. "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. Next year, Veikkaus will move into a new era, and at the same time, it will also be my turn to head towards new challenges. A warm thank you to all Veikkaus employees for the years together."
His exit aligns with a crucial juncture for Veikkaus as the company continues its preparation for the liberalisation of Finland's gambling market. After over a decade of influence on the operator's strategic vision, Nummikoski departs as Veikkaus enters a new phase marked by rising competition and regulatory changes.
