Ilkka Salmi selected as the chair of the University Board

The University Board of the University of Turku made the decision on the chair and vice chair at its first meeting on Friday, 30 January 2026.

Ilkka Salmi, who was selected as the chair of the Board, works as the European Commission’s Deputy Director-General for “Security, Workplace & Wellbeing”. He has held various senior positions related to EU security and preparedness for a number of years. These have included positions such as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior and Director of the Finnish Security Intelligence Service.

Salmi completed his Master of Laws at the University of Turku. In addition, he holds a degree from Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.

“The University of Turku promotes well-being and stability in its region and, more broadly, in Finnish society by carrying out its core missions of research and education. I accept the position of chair of the University Board of my home university with deep gratitude and a strong sense of commitment. I look forward to working with the University community and our stakeholders. I want to continue developing the University of Turku as a first-class learning environment, work community, and partner,” says Salmi, who was also a member of the University Board of the University of Turku during its previous four-year term.

Anne-Mari Virolainen, who was selected as the vice chair, is the CEO of Pharma Industry Finland. She has served as a Member of Parliament of Finland and as the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, among other positions. Virolainen has completed her Master of Science in Economics at Turku School of Economics.

In addition to Salmi and Virolainen, other members of the Board who come from outside the University community include Mayor of Naantali Laura Leppänen and Senior Vice President Veli-Pekka Nurmi.

Members of the Board from the University community include Professor Luis Alvarez Esteban, Professor Klaus Elenius, University Lecturer Elina Pelto, Head of Faculty Development Eeva Rainio, student Camilla Saarinen, and student Akseli Tiitta.

Members from outside the University community and members of the University personnel serve a four-year term, while student members serve a two-year term.

The University Board is the University’s highest executive organ. It determines the foremost objectives of the University’s operations and finances, the strategy and management principles. The chair and vice chair of the Board are selected from among the members of the Board who come from outside the University community.