The Government's proposal to end adult education allowance has been submitted to the Parliament and we have updated the site News concerning the adult education allowance for example with information concerning studies that begin in the autumn of 2024.
The Employment Fund's Managing Director manages the Fund in accordance with guidelines and orders provided by the Board of Directors. The Managing Director must ensure that the Fund's accounts are in compliance with the law and that its financial affairs have been arranged in a reliable manner. The Managing Director must provide the Board of Directors and its members with the information necessary for the Board to perform its duties.
The Management Group supports the Managing Director in leading the Fund's operations and implementing its strategic and operational targets.
Katja Komulainen (firstname.lastname@tyollisyysrahasto.fi) works as the Management Group's assistant.
Managing Director
Master of Laws
b. 1960
Current position and positions of trust:
Managing Director, Employment Fund 2019–
Part-Time Conciliator 2017–
Työntekijäin Ryhmähenkivakuutusasiain neuvottelukunta, chairman 2021–
Earlier working experience:
Managing Director, Unemployment Insurance Fund 2015–2018
Managing Director, Education Fund 2018
Director, Collective Bargaining, Legal and Social Affairs, of the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) 2014
State Secretary in Ministry of Employment and the Economy from 2011 to 2013
Various other positions in the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
Earlier positions of trust:
European Social Insurance Platform (ESIP), Board of Governors 2017–2023
Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company, Vice Member of Board of Directors 2014
Finnvera, Member of Board of Directors 2008–2011
European Economic and Social Committee, Member 2006–2010
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 1999–2003, 2008–2011
Varma-Sampo, Vice Member of Board of Directors 1998–2003
Director
Ms.c. (econ.)
b. 1976
Current position and positions of trust:
Chief Financial Officer, Employment Fund 2023–
Deputy Managing Director, Employment Fund 2023–
Member of the Board in Salamander Sales and Strategy Oy 2007–
Earlier working experience:
SVP, Treasury, Strategy, and M&A, YIT 2022–2023
SVP, Treasury, YIT 2018–2021
SVP, Group Treasury, Lemminkäinen 2015–2018
Group Treasurer, Sanitec 2010–2015
Group Treasurer, Dynea 2005–2010
Controller (several roles), Dynea 2002–2005
Management consultant, The Boston Consulting Group 2000–2002
Director
Master of Laws
b. 1976
Current position and positions of trust:
Director, Technology and Development, Employment Fund 2021–
Earlier working experience:
Director, Internal Services and Legal Affairs, Employment Fund 2019–2021
Director, Administration and Legal Affairs, Unemployment Insurance Fund 2018
Manager of Legal Affairs, Unemployment Insurance Fund 2016–2018
Lawyer, Unemployment Insurance Fund 2005–2016
Director
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
b. 1966
Current positions and positions of trust:
Director, HR and Communication, Employment Fund 2019 -
Member of the Board, Aboensis Oy 2018 -
Earlier working experience:
VP, Human Resources, Adven Group Oy 2015 - 2018
HR Director, Travel Services, Finnair Oyj 2010 - 2015
Senior HR Manager, Fujitsu Services Oy 2008–2010
Senior Consultant, HR4 Solutions Oy 2007–2008
Manager, Mergers And Acquisitions Accenture Oy 2006–2007
Professional Development Manager, Nordic and other roles, IBM (Oy International Business Machines Ab) 1995–2006
Noraty Public, Sparbanken i Åboland – Merita 1988–1995
Director
Master of Arts
b. 1979
Current position and positions of trust:
Director, Customer Relations, Employment Fund 2021 -
Earlier working experience:
Service Director, health and disability claims, Mutual Insurance Company Fennia 2015-2021
Head of Unit, Claims Customer Service, Mutual Insurance Company Fennia 2012-2015
Sales Manager, FenniaPalvelu, Mutual Insurance Company Fennia 2011-2012
Customer service Team Manager, corporate team, Vattenfall Finland 2005-2011
Project Manager, Call Solutions Ltd. 2003-2005
The Employment Fund is a member of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the European Social Insurance Platform (ESIP), and the Nordic equivalent, Nordiskt Socialförsäkringsmöten (NSF). The Fund is an observer member of the European Association of Paritarian Institutions.
The Employment Fund is managed by the Board of Directors, consisting of 14 members. The Supervisory Board nominates the Board of Directors so that 7 members represent the employers and 7 the employees. The Board has a Chair and a Vice Chair, one of whom has to represent the employers and the other the employees. The position of chair is held on alternate years by employers and employees. If a Board member's position is vacated during a term, the Supervisory Board will nominate, with the representation described above, a person until the end of the term.
The Supervisory Board elects a Chair and Vice Chair for a one-year calendar term at a time. In 2024, the Board's Chair is Pekka Piispanen (Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland – Akava) and Vice Chair Vesa Rantahalvari (Confederation of Finnish Industries EK).
Board Chair
M.A.
b. 1960
Current position and positions of trust:
Akava, Director 2012-
Varma, Borad of Directors 2017-
Emplyment Fund, Board Member 2023-
Earlier working experience:
The Finnish Pension Alliance TELA, director 2001-2011
Vice Chair
Master of Administrative Sciences (HTM)
b. 1967
Current position and positions of trust:
Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), Senior expert 2001–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2019–
Finnish Work Environment Fund, Council Member 2013–
Accident Appeal Board, Member 2013–
Finnish Workers' Compensation Center, Board Member 2001–
Earlier working experience:
Finnish Insurance Institute, Agent 1996–2000
Ministry of Labour, Designer 1993–1995
Earlier positions of trust:
Kela, Board Member 2016–2021
Employer Pension Appeal Board, Member 2001–2021
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2012–2018
Education Fund, Board Member 2018
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2005–2010
Education Fund, Supervisory Board Member 2015–2017
Master of Laws trained on the bench
b. 1973
Current position and positions of trust:
Paltalex Oy, Chair of the Board of Directors 2018–
Labour Court, Member 2016–
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Member of the Representative Council 2020–
Central Archives for Finnish Business Records, Chair of the Supervisory Board 2019–
Employment Fund, Member of the Board of Directors 2019–Service Sector Employers Palta, Director General 2018–
Earlier working experience:
Service Sector Employers Palta, Deputy Director General 2013–2018
Service Sector Employers Palta, Director of Labour Market Relations 2012
Empower Group, Administrative Director 2011–2012
Empower Oy, Director 2008–2010
Finnish Energy, Director 2005–2008
Energy Industry Federation, Labour Market Legal Counsel 2001–2004
Federation of Finnish Painter Employers, Representative 2000–2001
Toijala District Court, Notary 1999–2000
Asianajotoimisto Heikki Salo Oy, Assistant Legal Counsel 1998–1999
Earlier positions of trust:
Teollisuuskeskus Oy, Member of the Board of Directors 2018–2022
Insurance Court, Deputy Member 2015–2019
Labour Court, Deputy Member, 2013–2016
Education Fund, Member of the Supervisory Board, 2017–2018
Education Fund, Deputy Member of the Supervisory Board, 2013–2017
Paltalex Oy, Member of the Board of Directors, 2013–2018
Empower Oy, Chairman of the Board of Directors, 2012
Empower Oy, Member of the Board of Directors, 2011
Master of Social Sciences (M.Soc.Sc.)
b. 1966
Current position and positions of trust:
Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, President 2016-
Employment Fund, Board Member 2022-
Finnfund, Member of Supervisory Board 2020-
FinUnions, Chair of the Board 2018
Ilmarinen, Deputy Chair 2017-
Palkansaajien koulutussäätiön, Chair of the Supervisory Board 2016-
ETUC, Board Member and Working Committee Member 2016-
Earlier working experience:
The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL, President 2011-2016
The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL, Chief Executive Officer 2007-2011
Earlier positions of trust:
Vakuutusyhtiö Turva, Chair of the Board 2013-2022
Vakuutusyhtiö Turva, Board Member 2007-2012
Eläkevakuutusyhtiö Tapiolan, Member of Supervisory Board 2008-012
Suomen ammattiliittojen solidaarisuuskeskus SASK, Chair of the Board 2004-2010
LL.M with court training
b. 1972
Current position and positions of trust:
The Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, Director, Labour Market 2019–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2020–
The Accident Appeal Board, Deputy Member 2014–
Earlier working experience:
Service Sector Employers Palta, Director, Labour Market 2017–2019
Confederation of Finnish Industries, Specialist 2013–2017
Neste Shipping Oy, Marine Human Resources Manager 2012–2013
Earlier positions of trust:
The Pension Appeal Board, Member 2017–2018
The Social Security Appeal Board, Member 2014–2016
Labour Court, Deputy Member 2007–2009
Doctor of Philosophy
b. 1963
Current position and positions of trust:
Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), Director 2015–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2019–
Finnish National Agency for Education, Deputy Member of the Board 2015–
Labour Force, Education and Business Council 2015–2017, 2018–2020
AEL, Member of Supervisory Board 2017–
ATK Instituutti, Board Member 2017–
Technology Academy Finland (TAF), Member 2014–
Earlier working experience:
Academy of Finland, Director 2014–2015
Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, Director 2006–2014
Earlier positions of trust:
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2018
Education Fund, Board Chair 2016 and 2018
Board Vice Chair of the Education Fund 2017
Finnish Medical Foundation, Vice Chair of the Supervisory Board 2013–2017
Arctic Advisory Board Member 2014
International Board of Directors (ARIA), Alberta, Canada 2009–2015
European Forum of Forward Looking Activities (EFFLA/RISE), Expert Member of Expert Group 2011–2015
Member of National Innovation Strategy Group 2008
Master of Laws
b. 1971
Current position and positions of trust:
Technology Industries of Finland, Deputy CEO 2021–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2019–
Mutual Pension Insurance Company Elo, Board Member 2019-
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Board Member 2018-
Association for National Defence Courses, Board Member 2017–
Earlier working experience:
Työsuhdejuristit Oy, Board Member 1 July 2018 –2021
Technology Industries of Finland, Executive Director, Industrial Relations 2018–2021
National Conciliator 2015–2018
STTK, Director of Lobbying 2013–2014
TELA, Director 2011–2013
Akava, Director of Lobbying 2009–2011
Tehy, Director 2006–2009
Akava, Lawyer 2000–2006
Union of Journalists in Finland, Labour Market Officer 1997–1999
Earlier positions of trust:
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2018
Unemployment Security Appeal Board, Chair 2015–2017
Social Welfare Appeal Committee, Head of Department 1-5/2018
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Board Member 2013–2015
Employment Pension Insurance Company Ilmarinen, Board Member 2014
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2013–2014 and 2009–2011
Licentiate in Social Sciences
b. 1960
Current position and positions of trust:
KT Local Government Employers, Director General 2021–
Keva, Board Member 2020–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2019–
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Board Member 2017–
Member of Honorary Title Committee 2011– , Vice Chair 2016–
Earlier working experience:
Local Government Employers, Labour Market Director 2007–2021
Local Government Employers, Deputy Director 2006–2007
Federation of Public and Private Sector Employees, Chair 2001–2006
Earlier positions of trust:
FCG Talent Oy, Board Member 2017–2021
Education Fund, Supervisory Board Member 2007–2018
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2007–2018
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Deputy Board Member 2014–2016
Kaleva insurance company, Supervisory Board member 2001–2005
Doctor of Social Sciences & Ms.c. (econ.)
b. 1985
Current position and positions of trust:
STTK, Chief Economist 2019–
Labour Institute for Economic Research LABORE, Vice-chair of the Board 2022–
Labour Institute for Economic Research LABORE, Member of Board 2021–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2021–
Ministerial Working Group on Promoting Employment
(Service structure of labour market policy sub-group), Member 2019–
Earlier working experience:
SAK, Economist 2017–2019
University of Helsinki, Doctoral Candidate 2013–2017
Bank of Finland, Economist 2012–2013
Earlier positions of trust:
Parliamentary Committee on Social Security Reform, Member 2020–2021
Master of Laws with court training
b. 1974
Current position and positions of trust:
Local Government and County Employers KT, Negotiations Director 2022–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2021–
The Insurance Court, Expert member 2010–
Earlier working experience:
Local Government and County Employers KT, Negotiation Manager 2011–2022
Local Government Employers, Head of Labour Market Lawyer 2009–2011
Local Government Employers Labour Market Lawyer 1999–2009
Svenska handelshögskolan, projectmember 1998–1999
Sea Captain
b. 1959
Current position and positions of trust:
STTK ry, Chair 2013–
Economic Council, member 2013–
Työ-, koulutus- ja elinkeinoasiain neuvosto, member 2013–
E2 Tutkimus, Board Member 2021–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2019–
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company, Vice Chair 2014–
OP Uusimaa, Supervisory Board Member 2021–
Earlier working experience:
Federation of Salaried Employees Pardia, Chair 2005–2013
Finnish Ship’s Officers’ Union, Deputy Managing Director 1998–2005
Åbo Navigationsinstitut / Yrkeshögskolan Sydväst, Principal and Head of Degree Programme 1996–1998
Earlier positions of trust:
Kaleva Insurance Company, Supervisory Board Member 2006–2021
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Representative 2014–2021
Education Fund, Supervisory Board Member 2014–2018
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2015–2018
Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK, Board Member 2005–2013
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Deputy Representative 2008–2013
Master of Social Sciences
b. 1972
Current position and positions of trust:
SAK, Director 2018–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2019–
Kela, Board Member 2016–
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Deputy Board Member 2016–
Varma, Board Member 2020–
Finnish Work Environment Fund, Council Member 2018–
Earlier working experience:
Kaleva Insurance Company, Supervisory Board Member 2017–2020
Varma, Deputy Chair of Supervisory Board 2017–2019
SAK, Director 2015–2017
Service Union United, Development Director 2013–2014
SAK, Development Director 2011–2013
SAK, Head of Training and Labour Issues 2009–2011
Earlier positions of trust:
Education Fund, Deputy Board Member 2016–2018
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2015–2018
Centre for Occupational Safety, Chair of the Board 2015–2017
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Deputy Board Member 2012–2017
Palkansaajien hyvinvointi ja terveys PHT ry, Chair of the Board 2016–2017
Education Fund, Board Member 2011–2013, 2015
Education Fund, Chair of the Board 2013
Education Fund, Deputy Chair of the Board 2012
Centre for Occupational Safety, Deputy Chair of the Board 2013–2015
Council for Lifelong Learning, Chair 2012–2015
Master of Social Sciences
b. 1973
Current position and positions of trust:
Akava, Economist 2012–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2021–
The Social Security Appeal Board, Member 2018–
Earlier working experience:
Akava, Labor Policy Agent 2006–2011
Local Government Pensions Institution, Statistical Planner 2003–2006
Academic Engineers and Architects in Finland (TEK), Researcher/Information Specialist 2003–2006
Statistics Finland, Senior Statistician 2002–2003
Master of Social Services
b. 1971
Current position and positions of trust:
SAK, Head of Social Affairs 2018–
Ilmarinen, Member of Supervisory Board 2020–
Employment Fund, Board Member 2019–
The Social Security Appeal Board, Member 2018–
Group Life Insurance Advisory Board, Member 2018–2021
Ilmarinen, Pension Issues Advisory Board 2012–2020
Unemployment Security Appeal Board, Member 2010–2017
Vates Foundation, Board Member 2014–2017
Earlier working experience:
SAK, Head of Employment Issues 2012–2017
Office of the President of the Republic of Finland, Special Adviser 2009–2010
SAK, Social Police Expert 2006–2008, 2011
Finnish Construction Trade Union, Social Affairs Secretary 2000–2005
National Union of Vocational Students SAKKI ry, Chair 1998–2000
Earlier positions of trust:
Group Life Insurance Advisory Board, Member 2018–2021
Ilmarinen, Pension Issues Advisory Board 2012–2020
Vates Foundation, Board Member 2014–2017
Unemployment Security Appeal Board, Board Member 2017–2018
Unemployment Security Appeal Board, Member 2010–2017
Unemployment Insurance Fund, Board Member 2011
Group Life Insurance Advisory Board, Member 2007–2008, 2010–2011
Accident Insurance Compensation Board, Member 2008, 2010–2011
Finnish Centre for Pensions, Board Member 2006–2007
The highest decision-making body in the Employment Fund is the Supervisory Board, consisting of 18 members. 9 of the members represent the employers and 9 the employees. The Supervisory Board selects from among its members a Chair and a Vice Chair for one calendar year at a time, one of whom has to represent the employers and the other the employees. The position of chair is held on alternate years by employers and employees.
The Government appoints the Employment Fund's Supervisory Board members so that six members are chosen from representatives set by the Confederation of Finnish Industries, three by the Local Government Employers, three by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions SAK, three by STTK and three by Akava. The Employment Fund's Supervisory Board members' term of office is three calendar years.
The Supervisory Board elects its Chair and Vice Chair for a one-year calendar term at a time.
On 2 November 2023, the Government appointed, following a proposal by the labour market parties, the Employment Fund's Supervisory Board for a term from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026.
In 2024, the chair of the supervisory board is Antti Zitting and the vice chair Riku Aalto.
| Name | Current position |
| Riku Aalto, Master of Administrative Sciences, b. 1965 | Chair, Industrial Union |
| Maria Kaisa Aula, Lic.Soc.Sc., D.Soc.Sc., b. 1962 | Chair of the Regional Board, Central Finland Wellbeing Services County |
| Jari Jokinen, Master of Science (Technology), b. 1967 | Chief Executive Officer, Finnish Association of Graduate Engineers TEK |
| Teemu Kokko, Doctor of Science, Economics and Business Administration | President, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences |
| Antti Korpiniemi, Master of Science (Agriculture and Forestry), b. 1961 | CEO, Berner Oy |
| Tomi Lantto, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration), b. 1970 | CEO, Antell |
| Kirsi-Marja Lievonen, Licentiate of Law, Master of Laws with court training, b. 1962 | Director of Human Resources, City of Vantaa |
| Petri Lindroos, Master of Arts (Education), b. 1965 | Negotiations Director, Trade Union of Education in Finland |
| Salla Luomanmäki, Master of Arts, b. 1963 | Member of Akava’s board, representative of Akava ry |
| Jorma Malinen, Automation designer, b. 1959 | President, Trade Union Pro |
| Matti Mettälä, Master of Laws with court training, b. 1963 | Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Kesko Corporation |
| Outi Mäkelä, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration), b. 1974 | Municipal Manager, Nurmijärvi |
| Olli Nikula, Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration), b. 1967 | CEO, Saint-Gobain Finland Ltd |
| Silja Paavola, assistant nurse, b. 1956 | Chairperson, The Finnish Union of Practical Nurses SuPer |
| Saila Ruuth, Master of Social Sciences, b. 1981 | Chief of Department, The trade union for the public and welfare sectors JHL (from 23 August 2022) |
| Millariikka Rytkönen, midwife and nurse, b. 1975 | Chairperson, Union of Health and Social Care Professionals in Finland Tehy |
| Annika Rönni-Sällinen, Master of Laws, b. 1976 | President, Service Union United PAM |
| Antti Zitting, Master of Science (Technology), b. 1956 | Board Chair, Sacotec Oy |
