Marko Hiltunen appointed Secretary General of Ruka Nordic for the 2026 anniversary year

Marko Hiltunen has been appointed Secretary General of the Ruka Nordic 2026 event. Hiltunen, who previously served as Commercial Director, will now take overall responsibility for the operational management of the event alongside his previous role, as the event heads towards its 25th anniversary year.

Preparations for the coming season are already well advanced, and the organisation is firmly focused on the anniversary event looming in November. With overall operational responsibility, Hiltunen will lead Ruka Nordic supported by a skilled core team and hundreds of volunteers.

The Chair of the Finnish Ski Association and the Board of Ruka Nordic, Sirpa Korkatti, sees Hiltunen’s appointment as a natural and strong step in the development of the event.

– Marko has been involved in the event in many different roles for a long time. This versatile expertise, knowledge of the event field and a strong track record in leading the commercial side form an excellent basis for taking on the role of Secretary General, Korkatti says.

Focus on developing the event and the 25th anniversary year

Marko Hiltunen takes on the role with enthusiasm and gratitude. The milestone year adds its own special flavour to the preparations.

– Thank you to the Board of Ruka Nordic Oy for their trust. It is a great honour to continue along the path paved by my predecessors and to take on the role of Secretary General precisely in Ruka Nordic’s 25th anniversary year, Hiltunen says.

The development of the event has continued throughout the year, and the organisation is working closely to achieve the goals that have been set.

– Together with the Ruka Nordic team, we have taken the reforms for the upcoming event in a very good direction, and preparations are already well advanced. I strongly believe that we will offer spectators, athletes, partners and everyone behind the scenes an even better Ruka Nordic experience, Hiltunen continues.

Hiltunen emphasises the importance of the community and volunteers as the backbone of the event.

– Ruka Nordic’s strength has always been its people and doing things together. Without our skilled team, our partners and, above all, hundreds of volunteers, it would not be possible to deliver such a large international event. It is great to lead this whole and take Ruka Nordic forward together with them, Hiltunen concludes.