Jyri – Chief Executive Officer
Work can be fast-paced, preferably with many balls in the air at the same time.
In June 2023, Jyri Kontio, who started as Managing Director of Lapp Automation and LAPP Miltronic in Sweden and Denmark, enjoys work where the scenery changes and the pace is fast. Jyri moved to his current position from Lapp Connecto, where he served as Managing Director since 2021.
Jyri says he became familiar with the LAPP brand and its high-quality products while working for previous employers. Before joining the LAPP Group, he spent about 20 years in leadership positions at international mechanical and electronics manufacturers. The decisive factor for joining the Group in 2021 was the value system that emerged during job interview discussions, which he recognized as being close to his own way of thinking.
“Although it is a large and global company, the discussions still conveyed a sense of family spirit, which is very important to me. This family-oriented mindset is reflected, for example, in how people in the company are treated, advised, helped, and guided,” Jyri explains.
Jyri always approaches new tasks as an opportunity for self-development. Everyday work can be fast-paced, with several balls in the air at the same time, as long as the foundation is well thought out and carefully considered.
In addition to steering Lapp and LAPP Miltronic operations in Sweden and Denmark, he also serves as Vice President of the Nordic Cluster. Thanks to international responsibilities, the scenery changes frequently.
“As a counterbalance to fast-paced work, there must be a clear understanding of what the work relates to and where we are heading.”
Everyone on board for the shared journey
Jyri’s days are filled not only with travel but also with discussions with his direct reports. These conversations often focus on company development and customer-facing matters.
When leading the companies, Jyri emphasizes the importance of leadership based on both individual and general understanding of employees’ needs. Equally important is ensuring that all employees have a clear understanding of the company’s direction and goals, as well as the means to achieve them.
“I strive to get as many LAPP employees as possible involved in the company’s shared strategic journey. Ideally, of course, everyone,” Jyri smiles.
Among major development themes, Jyri mentions digitalization.
“Digitalization has already changed our business models and will continue to do so. Sustainability is another topic that permeates the entire company’s operations.”
Financially, the business remains on solid ground as long as customer understanding stays at the core.
“We exist as a company for our customers. Customer understanding means, for example, recognizing different needs and channels – some of our customers are best served through a smooth online store, while others value more traditional personal service,” Jyri explains.
The changing world reflected through his daughters
Jyri spends his free time with his family and hobbies. His family includes his wife and two daughters, aged 15 and 19, through whom he becomes familiar with young people’s values and the challenges future generations will face.
“Time spent with family and the conversations we have strongly influence my worldview. When debating and negotiating current issues with my daughters, I also learn to understand how future generations see and experience things.”
He also spends time at the gym and generally keeping fit. In summer, the scenery changes with running shoes on, and in winter, on skis. Jyri, who enjoys podcasts and movies, most often listens to true crime shows.
“In addition to true crime, I sometimes listen to programs about conspiracy theories. Listening to those really ties your brain in knots,” Jyri laughs.
If you have any questions, Jyri will be happy to answer: jyri.kontio(a)lapp.com