Press Release
Boyden Expands in Europe by Appointing Six New Partners and One Principal
New additions strengthen client support in executive search and interim management
Merja Vesanen
Senior Associate, Finland
Merja Vesanen is an experienced researcher with extensive knowledge of talent acquisition and executive search. Her substantial background includes information-intensive roles focused on supporting organisations through market and business intelligence. She is adept at extracting value from data and applying it to the search process, identifying market opportunities as well as candidates.
Professional Focus
- Over 10 years’ experience in executive search and recruitment
- Industry expertise in consumer & retail, financial services, industrial and professional services
- Involved in search assignments for a full range of functional roles across management, director and board levels
- Deep expertise in research, candidate sourcing, talent acquisition, business and market intelligence, corporate strategy-level information
- Fluent in Finnish and English
Business Expertise
- Research Leader at a global leadership consulting and executive search firm
- Research Consultant, Executive and Board at a major Finnish recruitment firm
- Business Intelligence Manager at Salomaa, Finland’s largest marketing group
- Senior Manager, Strategic Intelligence at Nokia; prior roles included Senior Information Consultant and Information Specialist over a 12-year career
- Started career as an Information Assistant at MTV3
Additional Expertise
- Consumer & Retail
- Financial Services
- Industrial
- Professional Services
Education & Certifications
- Master’s degree (M.Sc Soc.) in information science from University of Tampere
- Business School Graduate, Helsinki Business College
Case Studies
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Building a High-Performance HR Function for a Multi-Site Laboratory Organization
Through collaboration with Boyden, the Chief People Officer of a PE-backed company secured two pivotal leaders, a Vice President of Human Resources and a Head of Talent Acquisition, to elevate human capital strategy, drive transformation, streamline recruitment, and strengthen enterprise alignment.
Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership
With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.
Strategic Board Renewal for a High-Growth Cybersecurity Leader
Boyden partnered with a publicly traded cybersecurity firm to appoint a transformative director whose reputation and leadership experience amplify the company’s strategic ambitions and market position.
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
Private Equity's Role in Powering the Energy Transition
As energy markets transform, private equity is driving the transition with diversified portfolios and leaders who can master both legacy and renewable systems.
Blog Post
Corporate Capability and Leadership Development: Unlocking Successful Strategy Execution
Discover how organizations can accelerate strategy realization by integrating capability creation, talent flow, and leadership development, ensuring alignment with corporate culture and business objectives for long-term growth and success.
Boyden Report Series
What’s Next for Industry? AI, Transformation, and the Talent Imperative
Industrial Trends Report: Analysing markets, studies, and trends on how AI, machine learning, and digitalisation are reshaping the industrial sector, with expert insights on talent and leadership from Boyden’s Global Industrial Practice Members.
Boyden Report Series
As social impact organisations stir our conscience, where does your organisation stand?
Social Impact Report: Analysing the trends and companies reshaping the role of enterprise in society, with expert insights from Boyden's Global Social Impact Practice Members
News & Events
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Press Release
Boyden Finland Welcomes New Partner and Consulting Expert Petri Leino
Executive search specialist in innovation and service business development joins top leadership and talent firm in Finland
In the Media
Boardview: Boards Adding Value in Extraordinary Disruption - When Clarity is Not an Option, It is a Must
Contact Merja Vesanen today and let's get started