Walki prepares for a new era as Kari Salminen takes the helm in 2027

A strategic transition at the top of Walki Group

As we navigate the second half of 2026, the global packaging sector continues to witness significant leadership realignments that will shape the industry's trajectory for the remainder of the decade. Walki Group, a prominent Finnish manufacturer of protective packaging materials and multi-layer laminates, has officially outlined its succession plan. After a transformative 19-year tenure, President and CEO Leif Frilund will retire at the end of 2026, passing the baton to Kari Salminen, who will assume the top executive role on January 1, 2027.

This transition comes at a critical juncture for Walki. Since its acquisition by the Japanese giant Oji Holdings in early 2024, the company has been integrating its advanced converting technologies into a broader global supply chain. Salminen, currently serving as Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President of the Packaging Materials Business Area, represents a continuity of strategy combined with deep operational expertise. His appointment signals a clear mandate to consolidate Walki's position in high-barrier, sustainable packaging solutions for demanding end-users, particularly in the food and retail sectors.

Strengthening the core with Timo Saahko

To fill the operational void left by Salminen's elevation, Walki has orchestrated the return of a familiar face. Timo Saahko will join the Group Executive Team as Executive Vice President, Packaging Materials, effective October 1, 2026. Saahko transitions from a decade-long stint as Managing Director of Mölnlycke Health Care Oy, bringing a wealth of experience in continuous improvement and competitive scaling.

Saahko's previous history with Walki—having held various roles across Germany, the UK, China, Finland, and Poland—provides him with an intimate understanding of the company's geographical footprint and operational nuances. This international background is particularly relevant now that Walki operates under the Oji Holdings umbrella, requiring seamless coordination between European manufacturing hubs and Asian strategic directives.

From commodity to specialized innovation

The legacy Leif Frilund leaves behind is substantial. Over nearly two decades, he successfully pivoted Walki from a traditional manufacturer of commodity industrial packaging into a highly specialized provider of innovative material solutions. This strategic shift has allowed the company to capture higher margins and build resilience against the cyclical volatility of standard paper and board markets.

• Leadership Timeline: Timo Saahko assumes the EVP role on October 1, 2026.
• Transition Period: Salminen and Frilund will work closely throughout Q4 2026 to ensure operational stability.
• New Era: Kari Salminen officially becomes President and CEO on January 1, 2027.

As the packaging industry faces mounting pressure to deliver materials that are both highly functional and fully recyclable, Walki's recent developments—such as their mono-material MDO-PE packaging solutions—highlight the technical direction the company is taking. Salminen's background in the Packaging Materials division makes him uniquely qualified to drive this innovation pipeline forward, ensuring that Walki remains a critical supplier for global FMCG brands.

Salminen’s deep understanding of Walki’s material science capabilities positions the company perfectly to leverage Oji’s global network in the coming years. Will this leadership shift accelerate Walki's expansion into the Asian flexible packaging markets? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai