1. What is your career background and how did you end up in Dubai?
Most of my career has been in the Defense and Government Services (DGS) industry. I also have extensive experience in logistics and supply chain management, which is closely linked to the DGS sector. I have been calling Dubai home for well over 20 years, although my work and projects have taken me elsewhere as well. Initially, I moved to Dubai to manage business in Iraq and Afghanistan during military missions in those countries. Even then, Dubai was a major hub for our industry, and we wanted to open a regional office here to better support our field operations and clients. Our headquarters were in Monaco, so a regional office in Dubai was a natural choice, being much closer to the mission areas.
2. Can you share a success story where Astute’s skills in challenging location support services really made a difference in a project?
Astute is a fairly new company, initially founded to bring our extensive industry experience to the European market, where more and more defense-related activities are taking place. We also actively support our partner companies in the Horn of Africa region. Due to confidentiality and information security, I cannot share detailed information, but we have been trusted to participate in successful projects, such as supplying a military-grade field hospital to Yemen, air-lifting military equipment to the Lake Chad region, and providing logistical support for emergency food distribution in Central Africa.
3. You have been involved with FBC for many years. What are your thoughts then and now?
Yes, I was fortunate to be elected to the FBC Board more than ten years ago for a couple of terms. Since then, I have continued to follow and, where possible, participate in the events and evolution of the FBC. Both my wife Katriina (who also served on the FBC board some years ago) and I have been very pleased to see the great progress that FBC has achieved. FBC is even more professional today, thanks in large part to the active employed personnel, which I believe has made a significant difference in FBC activities.
4. What has been the best thing about living in the UAE for you and your family?
First of all, the obvious ones: safety and security, good schools, and excellent healthcare facilities. In my view, the UAE, being an international hub and a melting pot of nationalities, cultures, and religions, provides an excellent environment for children to grow up in. Personally, I also value the location’s proximity to Africa, where I grew up and where most of our business is located. Most destinations are just one flight away.
5. How does a perfect day look for you when you are not working?
We are a bit of a workaholic family, so any day will include some work, though in moderation. I very much enjoy taking part in our kids’ sports activities, especially around our rugby club. Friends, food, and drinks are also essential. The perfect day off for me in Dubai includes a brunch, a true Dubai institution. The perfect day off in Finland is during the summer by the lake or the sea
