Liisa Ansala steps down as head of Lapland Chamber of Commerce

Liisa Ansala will leave her position as CEO of the Lapland Chamber of Commerce in mid-September, she announced Wednesday in an interview with Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Ansala, who has led the chamber since July 2021, described her five-year term as a period of significant growth and development for the organisation. “We’ve been through an intense phase of expansion and strengthening,” she said. “I feel my work here is done, and now is the natural time to make way for someone else.”

During her tenure, the chamber increased its membership and secured its financial footing. Ansala noted she leaves with a sense of accomplishment but has not yet decided on her next steps. “My child starts school in the autumn—it’s a time of change for the whole family,” she said. “I hope to take a few weeks off, then see what comes next.”

The chamber’s board has begun the search for her successor, with applications opening in August. Ansala offered one piece of advice to her replacement: “Keep advocating for Lapland’s interests. Now is the time to deliver on major infrastructure investments we’ve pushed for.”

Before joining the chamber, Ansala served in Rovaniemi municipal politics, including as chair of the city council. She holds a doctorate in educational sciences.