Finnish boatbuilder Axopar Boats has appointed Kari Kulojärvi as its new chief executive officer, effective 4 August 2025.
Current chief executive Ari-Pekka Saarikangas will step down from the role and continue to support the transition until January 2026.
Kulojärvi has more than 25 years of international business experience, including executive roles in product management, product development and production. He most recently worked at McKinsey & Company, where he led the firm’s Finnish operations and advised Finnish companies on strategic issues.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Kari Kulojärvi to Axopar,” says Vesa Laisi, chair of the board at Axopar. “He has strong experience in transformative business processes and accelerating growth. Kari has demonstrated excellent change leadership, strategic vision, and innovative thinking. He has developed global business operations and built high-performing teams. These are crucial qualities for the CEO of Axopar Boats.”
Kulojärvi adds: “Axopar is an internationally known brand representing innovative and high-quality boatbuilding. Axopar’s success shows how it is possible to create a successful new product range with open-minded and bold design. It is a privilege for me to lead Axopar into its next chapter.”
Laisi thanked outgoing CEO Saarikangas, noting that the company achieved profitable growth and strengthened its market position under his tenure.
“I would like to warmly thank Ari-Pekka Saarikangas for his significant contribution to Axopar Boats,” says Laisi. “He is known for his strong expertise with customers, boats, and business operations. The company is now at a stage where it is natural to transfer leadership to a new CEO.”
Saarikangas comments: “I am very pleased with how we have developed Axopar into a global player in the boat market together with the entire staff. I share the chairman’s words that this is a good time for both the company and me personally to move forward.”
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