Ruka Nordic’s organization is being renewed and strengthened

Harri Keskiaho Appointed as New Secretary General and CEO of Ruka Nordic. Attorney-at-law Harri Keskiaho has been appointed as the new Secretary General of Ruka Nordic and the CEO of the event company. He will assume his duties immediately. Keskiaho has previously served as the race director for Ruka Nordic’s cross-country skiing events and has a long background as an active member of Kuusamon Erä-Veikot.

At the same time, Jarkko Ruhanen will transition to the role of Event Producer at Ruka Nordic, focusing on sports and volunteer activities.

The development of Ruka Nordic took a significant leap forward in the spring with the establishment of Ruka Nordic Oy, which is now responsible for the event and its commercial activities.

“Harri’s appointment is a natural continuation in developing the event following its incorporation. Building a new operating model always takes time, but we have now taken clear steps toward the model of the future. By appointing a CEO, we aim to strengthen the professionalism and quality of the event. It is essential to reinforce the local collaboration network and build trust for the future,” says Sirpa Korkatti, Chair of the Finnish Ski Association and the Ruka Nordic Board.

Ruka Nordic holds a key position as the season opener for Nordic skiing disciplines. The event is also highly significant for both the Finnish Ski Association and Kuusamon Erä-Veikot.

“Under Harri’s leadership, together with our partners and stakeholders, we will begin planning and development work for the future of the event. My discussions with Harri have convinced me that, in addition to his expertise, his ability and willingness to work together with owners, local and regional stakeholders, as well as international partners, will guide us toward a successful future,” Korkatti continues.

Keskiaho has been involved with the event since its early days — first as a junior in the trail patrol, and for the past decade as course manager and race director for cross-country skiing. He also holds an FIS TD qualification and is already well-acquainted with the volunteers and the organization behind the event.

“I’m pleased that we’ve reached a solution that provides Ruka Nordic with significant additional resources for organizing the event. Harri Keskiaho is a highly competent person for the CEO role and knows the event inside out. With this change, Jarkko Ruhanen will have more time to focus on producing the Ruka Nordic event and managing practical arrangements. It’s also excellent for Kuusamon Erä-Veikot that Ruhanen can now dedicate more of his time to his role as Executive Director, ensuring the continued operations of our traditional sports club,” comments Matti Heikkilä, Chair of Kuusamon Erä-Veikot.

Focus on Holistic Development and Strengthening Cooperation

Harri Keskiaho views his appointment primarily as a strong vote of confidence and believes that successful development stems from close collaboration with stakeholders.

“I want to thank the owners of Ruka Nordic Oy, the Finnish Ski Association, and Kuusamon Erä-Veikot for their trust. Ruka Nordic offers a significant opportunity to boost the visibility of the entire region, and I believe its full potential has not yet been reached. To further develop the event, I aim to bring stakeholders together in close cooperation,” says Keskiaho.

“I know the sports side of the event well, and in recent years we have progressed to the world’s elite level — thanks to our amazing group of volunteers. Now I want to ensure that the organization’s administration and finances also develop to match that same standard,” Keskiaho adds.

Photo: Jussi Väätäinen / Koillissanomat

Further Information

Sirpa Korkatti
Chair, Finnish Ski Association & Ruka Nordic
sirpa.korkatti(at)hiihtoliitto.fi
+358 44 2767270

Harri Keskiaho
Secretary General, Ruka Nordic
CEO, Ruka Nordic Oy
harri.keskiaho(at)rukanordic.com
+358 50 5906666