Marimekko is recognized in media reviews as a company with high-quality leadership
The Corporate Media Barometer survey conducted by T-Media examined journalists’ perceptions and views of Finnish companies and their media communications. A total of 216 Finnish journalists were interviewed for the survey. In the survey, journalists spontaneously named the Finnish CEO they considered to be the best. A total of 17 percent of respondents named Marimekko’s current or former CEO as the best. Valio took the title of best media communicator.
In the survey, journalists gave their opinions on Finland’s best CEO. The nominations were distributed among a total of 24 people, with six well-known current or former CEOs rising to the top of the rankings. Marimekko’s Chairman of the Board, Mika Ihamuotila, took the top spot alongside OP’s Timo Ritakallio and Finlayson’s Jukka Kurttila. Each of the aforementioned CEOs received 10 percent of the votes from the journalists who responded to the survey. In the open feedback provided by the journalists, the top three were united by their ability to communicate and engage actively with the media, even on difficult issues.
Second place in the survey went to Marimekko’s current CEO Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, Kone’s Henrik Ehrnrooth, and Supercell’s Ilkka Paananen. Each of the aforementioned CEOs received 7 percent of the votes from the journalists who responded to the survey. Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, who has served as Marimekko’s CEO since 2015, also received the second-highest number of mentions in the previous survey conducted a year ago.
“I am truly delighted that Marimekko’s long-term efforts to build a global company are being recognized in this way. We have strongly emphasized responsibility and authenticity in our leadership and in everything we do. The top spot on the list may also reflect the expectation that corporate leadership should participate constructively in social discourse. In my view, that would be a welcome development,” commented Mika Ihamuotila, Chairman of Marimekko’s Board of Directors.
VALIO: THE COMPANY WITH THE MOST SUCCESSFUL MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
In addition to naming the best CEO, the journalists also named one to three companies that they felt had succeeded in their communications and media relations. Valio received by far the most mentions, as it was seen as an approachable, active, and clear communicator. Metsä Group received the second-highest number of mentions, and OP Group came in third.
“It is interesting that the operations and values of the top three companies are rooted in a cooperative background and values. They have found a human, community-oriented approach to their media communications. Journalists, and consumers as well, expect honest, understandable, and responsible communication from companies—not just strategic jargon,” says Kari Väisänen, a member of T-Media’s board of directors and the company’s senior advisor .
More information
Sari Maunula, Research Director
+358 50 409 1543
sari.maunula@reptrust-staging.fi-p.seravo.com
T-Media’s MediaBarometer surveyed journalists’ perceptions and views of Finnish companies and their media communications. A total of 216 Finnish journalists were interviewed by phone during the survey. Data collection took place from November 5, 2019, to February 24, 2020. In addition, journalists evaluated companies using T-Media’s Reputation&Trust .
