The energy sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by global megatrends. These trends not only affect the technology used by the sector, but also shape the business models on which future success will be built. These changes are challenging the ability of industry players to proactively develop their skills and leadership capabilities. Companies may need to invest in continuous training, seek new talent across industry boundaries or develop innovative strategies to support growth and innovation. An agile future leadership team will include key talent with not only deep technical expertise, but also the ability to adapt and innovate.

Pressures for sustainable development and the fight against climate change have been driving the energy industry strongly towards renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydro for some time now. These technologies require leaders to have deep expertise, not only in technical skills but also in project management. An understanding of environmental policy, sustainability strategies and corporate social responsibility has been increasingly emphasized in our executive search assignments for energy sector leadership over the past few years.

Linked to sustainable development, consumers’ increased environmental awareness and desire to switch to clean energy means that companies must also be able to market their sustainable solutions and investments more effectively to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Energy storage solutions and smart grids are another key development that will require strong technical capabilities from the leadership. In particular, understanding IT solutions, data analytics and cyber security are critical areas. Energy leaders need to understand how to seamlessly integrate these technologies into their business and manage complex infrastructure projects, the success of which is crucial for competitiveness. As in many other industries, the energy sector needs visionaries who can harness the potential of digitalization to drive significant business transformation.

The energy sector faces ever tighter regulation, which directly affects business models and investment decisions. In-depth experience of national and international energy policy and a natural ability to operate in a complex regulatory environment are qualities that have been integrated into search profiles we have more recently built with clients.

JFP actively serves companies in the energy value chain, alongside a wide range of industrial sector players across Finland. We act as a partner to our clients as they consider issues related to competitiveness and we identify key talent from the market who fit company needs.

Together, we can build a forward-looking, energetic management team that reflects the energy sector, one with a clear vision, strategic expertise and the ability to take advantage of industry disruption in a way that ensures your company’s competitive advantage and long-term success.

JFP Executive Search is pleased to announce the addition of a new Senior Partner Markku Leskinen to our team from 2.1.2025 onwards. Markku is an experienced leader with over 25 years of expertise in managing people, teams, and businesses in demanding roles across various industries. He has held leadership positions in both domestic and international companies leading B2C and B2B operations. Markku has extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development, particularly in High-Tech, manufacturing, import, export, as well as in direct, wholesale, and retail trade, and the service sector.

Managing Partner Jouko Pitkänen: “We warmly welcome Markku to our team! His experience in the executive search industry, both in Finland and the US, will strengthen our team and JFP’s position in the global market. We recognize Markku as an excellent fit to JFP’s culture – quality at the heart of business!”

At JFP Executive Search, Markku works on Executive Search and Leadership Advisory projects, bringing his expertise to support organizational success. His mission is to find the right people for the right positions, thereby helping organizations and teams achieve their goals.

Markku Leskinen: “JFP Executive Search combines three key factors that are important to me: the Consultants’ strong business background, a skilled and very well-resourced Research department, and the fact that the company is employee-owned. These factors bring significant benefits to clients, which translate into successful and smoothly executed projects.”