New Patria CEO: - I see no reason why the pace of growth should slow

Panu Routila, the newly appointed president and CEO of Patria Group, has a clear ambition: to sustain the company’s recent growth trajectory.

- I see no reason why the pace of growth should slow. I expect it to continue, he says.

According to a company statement, the leadership transition follows an agreement between the board of directors and outgoing CEO Esa Rautalinko. 

The decision reflects "a shared view of the company’s next phase of development, as well as Rautalinko’s personal plans for the future".

Routila says the process has been under way since late last year, when initial discussions began.

- I was not considering myself for the CEO role, says Routila, who has served as chair since 2020. 

- The board asked me to take the position, particularly to ensure a smooth and timely transition. I was ready to begin immediately.

Three business areas

Patria operates across three business areas: protected mobility, defence and weapon systems, and sustainment solutions. 

These were formalised under a new operating model introduced on 1 June 2025 as part of a broader strategic shift.

Routila, who was closely involved in that process, says he is committed to maintaining momentum. His priorities are growth, profitability and customer satisfaction.

- We are performing well, but with the strong order book we have secured, we must ensure we can deliver, he says, drawing on a long industrial background.

Patria’s net sales in 2025 rose by almost 32 percent year-on-year, reaching 1.09 billion euro - a strategic milestone for the company.

International business accounted for 51 percent of net sales, up from 31 percent the previous year.

- This must continue. It will be a key focus area for me, together with our more than 4,000 employees, Routila says.

The company hired more than 500 people in 2025, reflecting sustained expansion. While Routila declines to disclose the next financial milestone, he signals confidence.

- We know our targets and are well equipped to achieve them, he says.

Future growth

Future growth is expected to come from NATO markets, as well as newer partners such as Japan, alongside operational lessons drawn from Ukraine.

Patria also expanded its portfolio last year through the acquisition of Belgian software company Ilias, which is expected to support further growth.

Despite an external recruitment process, Routila sees clear advantages in an internal appointment.

- The risk with an external hire is a long learning period. This is a highly specialised sector, and it is critical to avoid that. I can contribute from day one, he says.

Rautalinko, who served as CEO for seven years and previously as chair, will remain in an advisory role for six months to support the transition.