Metso, Finland, an industrial company serving the global mining, aggregates, pulp and paper, recycling, oil, gas, and process industries, has appointed Nico Delvaux president and CEO of Metso, effective at the beginning of November 2017 at the latest. Delvaux is currently senior EVP for Atlas Copco AB and Business Area President for Compressor Technique, with responsibility for the global compressed air business of the Atlas Copco Group.

"This nomination is part of Metso's successor planning and the timing is good for Metso to progress into the next development phase. I am convinced that Nico Delvaux is the right person to further accelerate value creation for Metso's customers and shareholders, thanks to his broad international experience, leadership skills, and a proven track record in developing leading businesses," said Mikael Lilius, chairman of the Metso Board of Directors. 

"I know Metso as a company and highly respect its brand and achievements. I really look forward to joining Metso and working together with the Metso people all over the world as well as to moving to Finland," said Delvaux. 

"Matti Kähkönen, president and CEO of Metso since March 2011, has, under difficult market conditions, led significant changes, which have built a strong foundation for Metso going forward. This is a good moment for the board to make decisions on the CEO's successor. We want to thank Matti Kähkönen for his very good work for the benefit of Metso and its shareholders during the past nearly 40 years. We have also agreed that he will act as a senior advisor to the board until his retirement," Lilius noted.  

In Kähkönen's view, Metso has developed to a point where it is natural for a successor to continue. "This decision was not made overnight, as we have looked for a good timing for the change together with the board. I will continue with full focus and energy until the end of my duties as president and CEO," he said.