Essi Sten was elected as Chair of the Board of Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt at the spring annual general meeting. The board members continuing in their roles are Jarkko Leinonen, Rutger Källén, Jarkko Virtanen, and the previous Chair Aleksi Randell. Juha Sumentola will continue as the Secretary of the Board.
Sten has over 20 years of experience in real estate management positions. She has previously served as Head of Real Estate Business at Taaleri and as Country Manager for Finland at Hemfosa and PATRIZIA. Currently, Sten serves in board positions and is a founding partner at COARES Partners. She also served as a member of the Board of Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt during the previous term.
– As Chair of the Board, my task is to ensure that the board's expertise is utilized as effectively as possible and that the company is managed consistently in line with the company's interests and owner strategy. At the same time, it is important to keep the strategic focus clear and maintain a forward-looking perspective, Sten says.
The role of the Chair also emphasizes close cooperation with the CEO. Good board work is built on open discussion, active sparring, and the ability of the board and management to work together to drive the company forward over the long term.
Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt in the development of the Science Park and the entire city
Sten brings to the Board of Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt experience in investments, managing capital-intensive businesses, and strategic board work.
– The role of Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt is exceptionally interesting because it is not just about real estate, but about the long-term development of the competitiveness of the entire Turku Science Park and the city, Sten says.
Competition between cities for talent, companies, and investments is constantly intensifying. Successful areas are no longer just office districts, but vibrant urban environments where work, services, living, and leisure meet.
– Turku Science Park has very strong foundations for this. The area combines higher education institutions, companies, jobs, services, and living in a way that builds attractiveness for both talent and companies, Sten continues.
She sees the role of Turun Teknologiakiinteistöt as important in how the area will be developed in the coming years and how attractive Turku appears to talent, companies, and new investments.
Work environments and meeting places
– The way we work is changing rapidly, but the importance of high-quality work environments is not disappearing – on the contrary. The role of the office is being emphasized, especially as a place for collaboration, innovation, and people meeting each other, Sten says.
Commercial premises also require more flexibility and quality. Future work environments must support different ways of working and offer spaces for both focus and teamwork.
– As technology and artificial intelligence develop, human interaction and community will become even more important. That is why physical environments still have great significance, Sten concludes.