Finland's most-influential list full of Aalto staff and alumni
Kauppalehti Optio business magazine has composed a list of Finland's most influential people by asking experts to select the ten most influential people within their own field. In the process of drawing up the list, the point of view of the editors was also taken into account. There were ten areas of influence considered: economy, startups, culture, activists, sport, opinion-formers, entertainment, trend setters, science and politics.
Out of the ten most influential scientists, four are from Aalto University: Academian of Science Riitta Hari, an internationally renowned brain researcher and clinical neurophysiology specialist; Dean and Academian of Science Risto Nieminen, a pioneer in nanosciences and material physics; University President Tuula Teeri, and Professor, President of the Academy of Finland Heikki Mannila.
As for the world of startups, there is a grand total of 8 Aalto alumni in the top 10 list: Obvious Ventures partner and founder of Trulian property services Sami Inkinen; angel investor, management professional, and Slush Chairman of the Board Ilkka Kivim盲ki; Supercell Creative Director Mikko Kodisoja; Wolt Director and founder Miki Kuusi, who navigated his way from a small Slush event to Europe's most important growth business event; Lifeline Ventures founder and partner Petteri Koponen; founder of a programming school, author of the book 'Hello Ruby', and one of the catalysts of the Finnish startup movement Linda Luikas; HackerOne Managing Director M氓rten Mickos; and Supercell Managing Director Ilkka Paananen.
Among the list of top opinion-formers can also be found one Aalto staff member: public supporter of rational social policy and Aalto University Professor Sixten Korkman.
In the economic field, Kauppalehti listed six Aalto alumni: Successful former President and CEO of Kone and current EK Chairman of the Board Matti Alahuhta; Varma Managing Director Risto Murro, former Nokia Managing Director and current management professional Jorma Ollila, F-Secure founder and Chairman of the Board for Nokia Risto Siilasmaa, Sampo Group Director Kari Stadigh and Nordea Group Director Casper von Koskull.
One Aalto alumni also made it into the top ten list of influential trend setters: TV producer, writer and creative director Saku Tuominen.
Take a look at the Optio 100 list (in Finnish)
Read more news

Alum Laura Suomalainen: 鈥漈he idea of always having your life with you and being able to move from place to place spoke to me.鈥
Laura Suomalainen had long dreamed of "Vanlife" until the opportunity to go on exchange to Norway set the wheels of her dream in motion. Nowadays she travels across Europe in her own van and works remotely.
Textile Chemistry Group Visits Valmet Fiber Technology Center for TexirC Project Meeting
August 18, 2025 鈥 The Textile Chemistry research group took part in the TexirC project meeting hosted at Valmet鈥檚 Fiber Technology Center, bringing together partners to review progress and exchange results.
Professor Iiro Harjunkoski has been appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy
Professor Iiro Harjunkoski has been appointed as Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy for the period 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2026.