(AsiaGameHub) –   The appointment comes as the state-controlled operator prepares for the end of its monopoly on gambling in Finland.

Finland.- The state-owned monopoly gambling operator Veikkaus has appointed Ilkka Kosola as its new Chief Financial Officer. He will assume leadership of the company’s financial operations as it gears up for the conclusion of its gambling monopoly and the opening of Finland’s online gambling market to commercial competition.

Kosola will take up the role at the end of September. He joins Veikkaus from Reaktor, where he served as Group CFO. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at Adven Group, TietoEVRY, Basware, and Fortum. Veikkaus highlighted his expertise in developing digitally advanced finance functions and integrating technologies such as AI into financial processes.

Veikkaus is preparing for the launch of multi-license online gambling in Finland beginning in 2027. The company plans to split its operations, with one segment retaining its monopoly on lottery and retail products, while the online business will compete in the open market.

The process for granting online gambling licenses in Finland opened in March. Operators known to have applied include Hippos ATG and Paf.

Veikkaus’s 2030 strategy focuses on enhancing agility and competitiveness. As a state-controlled entity, Veikkaus has emphasized player protection measures; now it must balance this commitment with the need to remain competitive. The company is also pursuing international expansion amid growing domestic competition—it already maintains a B2B presence abroad through its Fennica Gaming subsidiary.

CEO Olli Sarekoski stated: “Ilkka’s extensive international experience leading finance and IT functions, combined with his proven ability to drive change and execute strategic transactions, makes him an ideal fit for Veikkaus during this period of significant transformation. We are confident that his expertise will greatly benefit our company and executive management team as we work toward achieving our strategic goals for 2030.”

Kosola remarked: “I am excited to join the Veikkaus team and contribute to the next chapter of this iconic Finnish company. Veikkaus stands at a pivotal point in its history, and I look forward to applying my experience to support the company’s transformation and the implementation of its new strategy in the newly licensed market.”

Recent governance updates at Veikkaus included the confirmation of new directors during the March 2026 Annual General Meeting, with Kaisa Olkkonen continuing as chair.

Chair Olkkonen commented in the latest announcement: “Our preparations for the new licensing system and the introduction of competition in the Finnish market are well underway. At the same time, we continue working toward our objective of becoming a respected and successful international money gaming group by 2030. The board has been strengthened with deep experience from companies operating in global markets and managing demanding transformation scenarios—this significantly supports Veikkaus’ ongoing evolution.”