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 Institutional Investment Operations Leadership for a Mission-Driven Family Office
Boyden partnered with a leading family office and its affiliated foundation to appoint a Head of Institutional Investment Operations capable of designing and implementing a scalable operational platform to support a growing investment portfolio and long-term philanthropic objectives.
A Time-Critical CFO Hire for a Scaling, PE-Backed Manufacturer
Boyden partnered with a private equity-backed leader in automated test systems to execute a Partner-led search with disciplined assessment and rapid momentum, identifying a finalist within two weeks and closing the mandate within 60 days.
Transforming Operations in a Family-Owned Medical Device Business
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
A Regional CEO Search to Realise U.S. Market Potential for a European Family-Owned Business
A European family-owned business approaching generational transition recognized that its U.S. operation required more than continuity—it required growth. The challenge was to redefine leadership for a critical market while navigating family dynamics and cross-border complexity. Here’s how the right appointment helped unlock the company’s U.S. potential.
Blog
The “Three-Stepper” to Master Commercial and Sales Excellence in 2026
Discover the Three‑Stepper framework to master commercial and sales excellence in 2026. Learn how customer insight, talent, and technology drive growth.
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
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.
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