Erkki Panula

Senior Partner

Helsinki

Erkki has an extensive business background in the global technology industry. During his 20 year operational career he has held several P/L responsible positions within sales and marketing as well as general management for international or global businesses. He has also recruited hundreds of Executive Managers, Business Managers and Professionals. In addition to this he has 2 years experience in Executive Search and Management Audits.

Previously he was a Management Group Member and Executive Vice President for Global Sales and Partners at enterprise network security solutions provider, Stonesoft Corporation. He was also responsible for all Stonesoft regional/country operations in the USA, EMEA and APAC.

Prior to Stonesoft, he worked for three years in Switzerland for Tech Data International as a Management Group Member and Managing Director for Cisco Telecommunications and Networking Solutions Business Unit in Europe, Middle East and Africa. His responsibilities covered sales, marketing and support operations via system integrator and value added reseller channels in the region.

During 1990´s he worked for ten years in several Management roles as Sales Director, Product Marketing Director and Managing Director for Tech Data Corporation in Finland, Russia and Baltic States. Key business areas in this ICT- distribution business were leading manufacturers´ hardware, software and consumer electronics products sales via reseller and retail channels. During this time he spent a few years founding local legal entities, establishing businesses, and related key processes for Tech Data in Russia and Baltics. He was also responsible for recruiting and training the key executives for these regions.

Prior to that, during the 1980´s he worked for six years in technical project management roles in the defence electronics industry.

Erkki has deep knowledge in business management, sales, marketing, supply chain/sales channels and professional services. He also has experience establishing and restructuring international companies and organisations in challenging and changing business environments.

Education
B.Sc. Electronics, Swedish Technical Institute, Helsinki