The Board of Directors of Ahlstrom Corp., Finland, has appointed Sakari Ahdekivi interim president and CEO, effective immediately. He replaces Marco Levi due to the announced merger plan between Ahlstrom and Munksjö Oyj (see article in the WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT section above). 

Hans Sohlström, chairman of the Board Directors at Ahlstrom, said that "Marco Levi has done an excellent job as the president and CEO of Ahlstrom. During his leadership, the company has achieved a remarkable turnaround in profitability, resulting in significant value growth for the shareholders. As a leader, he has created a truly customer-driven culture and an inspiring team spirit at Ahlstrom. On the behalf of the entire board of directors, I would like to sincerely thank Marco and wish him all the best and continued success in the future."

Sakari Ahdekivi will continue as CFO of Ahlstrom and will be a member of the management team of the combined Ahlstrom-Munksjö.

"I'm pleased that Sakari Ahdekivi will lead Ahlstrom through the transition period until the planned merger with Munksjö will be completed during the first-half of 2017," Sohlström concluded.