Patria taps Petri Vihervuori to lead new CEO Office

Patria has established a new CEO Office as part of its strategy to support continued growth and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders.

The new unit will combine the company's Group Communications and Governmental Affairs functions, including relationships with the EU and NATO, the company announced. 

It will be led by Petri Vihervuori, who will assume the role of chief corporate affairs officer on 1 September 2026.

- Patria has significant growth potential, and industrialisation is central to how we scale our operations while maintaining high quality, safety and reliable on-time delivery, said Panu Routila, president and chief executive of Patria.

Routila said the creation of the CEO Office supports the company's long-term strategy for sustainable growth and reinforces its position as a trusted partner.

Petri Vihervuori brings more than 20 years of experience across a range of corporate functions, including more than a decade in the defence sector and senior roles in state ownership steering.

- Patria is at a very interesting stage of development, Vihervuori said pointing to the company's growth and profitability potential remains strong even after surpassing the billion-euro level.

- I am fully committed, with both enthusiasm and humility, to supporting the company's continued growth and development while delivering on our customer promises in the years ahead, he added.

Vihervuori has also been appointed to the Patria Group Management Team and will report directly to president and chief executive Panu Routila.