Juha-Matti Lehtinen has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Aava Shipping Oy and will take up his post on 31 August 2026. Lehtinen joins Aava Shipping from his role as Chief Operating Officer at NV Thermotrans. The current Managing Director, Niilo Peltomäki, will continue within the KUMEKO Group as Managing Director of KUMEKO Recycling and will henceforth focus fully on the management and development of the company.
Lehtinen brings a wealth of experience in operational management and international logistics to Aava Shipping. Before joining Aava Shipping, he served as Chief Operating Officer at NV Thermotrans, where he was responsible for business management and development.
– We are delighted to welcome Juha-Matti Lehtinen to our Group. His extensive experience in operational management will provide excellent support for the development and growth of Aava Shipping’s business in the coming years, says the Chairman of the Board of the KUMEKO Group Teijo Virtanen.
The appointment of Aava Shipping’s managing director is linked to the KUMEKO Group’s growth strategy and the organisational changes resulting from it. Following the previously announced acquisition of Eurajoki Port, the operations of Aava Shipping and Eurajoki Port will be merged, which will significantly expand and strengthen the Group’s port business.
– I am grateful for the trust placed in me and am looking forward to taking on this new role. Aava Shipping has a strong foundation, which provides a good basis on which to build the future together with the staff. I look forward to further developing our business and building sustainable and profitable growth, Lehtinen says.
Niilo Peltomäki has served as Managing Director of KUMEKO Recycling since 1 May 2026, alongside his role as Managing Director of Aava Shipping. With Lehtinen taking over the helm at Aava Shipping, Peltomäki will henceforth focus fully on managing and developing KUMEKO Recycling’s business operations.
– Our Group’s business has grown and developed rapidly, and we want to ensure that every business area has sufficient resources to support future growth. The acquisition of Eurajoki Port will significantly strengthen our port operations, and Juha-Matti’s appointment provides Aava Shipping with a strong foundation. At the same time, Niilo will be able to focus his efforts on developing KUMEKO Recycling, Virtanen continues.