Tall oil producer Forchem Oy’s new CEO beginning 1 January 2010 will be Risto
Näsi, M.Sc. He has previously functioned at Neste Oil and Fortum in various
executive roles. Risto’s former position was on Neste Oil’s Executive Board and
he was responsible for Neste Shipping division.
Forchem has since its establishment in 2000 developed into one of the world’s leading
tall oil refiners. The company has become the second largest operator in Europe and
third in the world in terms of market share.
“I would like to thank Martti Fredrikson for the effort he has invested in Forchem’s
development. I am also glad that Risto will be joining our company’s key personnel.
Risto has extensive and diverse experience in refinery operations and global sales and
marketing of special products. Risto also has a strong background as a business
executive in an international environment,” says Eero Niiva, Chairman of Forchem’s
Board of Directors.
“It has been an honour to hold the position of Forchem’s CEO since the establishment of
the company and to see all of the company’s development stages. In the midst of the
significant changes taking place in the tall oil industry and its stakeholder groups and
these challenging times we have managed to develop our production processes and
product range, expand the scope of our distilled products and increased our customer
volumes. People trust in Forchem’s know-how and quality. Our exports have stabilised
at around 90% of our turnover and we have over 200 customers in altogether some 30
countries. Forchem is made up of a group of committed professionals who are proud of
their work and workplace. I am certain that Risto and the other members of the
company’s Management Group will continue to lay the foundation for Forchem’s future
growth,” comments Fredrikson.
“It is exiting to join a company which represents the top of its field and which is based on
Finnish know-how and industrial value added of the Nordic forest cluster. I am sure that
we will continue to do well amidst the challenges of the changing markets, together with
the enthusiastic and highly qualified Forchem personnel. I believe that my experience in
the international petrochemical and oil refining businesses will be beneficial in my new
position. Looking forward to get started,” says Risto Näsi, Forchem’s new CEO.