CV

suomela k 2 1

Kaj Suomela

CEO, Green Change Consulting
Specialist in the Green Transition, Bioeconomy, and Market Entry between Finland and Indonesia

Education

  • MSc, Land Use Economics & Forestry, University of Helsinki (1985).
    Specialized in land use policy, forestry economics, and bioeconomy foundations.
  • MSc, Land Use Economics & Forestry, University of Helsinki (1985).
    Specialized in land use policy, forestry economics, and bioeconomy foundations.
  • Professional Training & Development
    Kaj has complemented his formal degree with extensive international training:
    • Management of Development Projects, Forestry Training Programme, Siilinjärvi (1990).
    • Forestry Research Needs in Developing Countries, University of Helsinki seminar, Espoo (1988).
    • Government EU Test, passed in 1994 – qualification for EU-related senior positions in Finland.
    • TEKES Training Program on Innovation Processes, Silicon Valley, California (2009).
  • International Exchanges & Field Learning
    • IASTE Exchange Student, Ministry of Natural Resources, Thunder Bay, Canada (1981).
    • Nordic Working Camp, Uyole Agricultural Center, Mbeya, Tanzania (1977).
    • Study tours and assignments in Denmark, Germany, UK, France, Indonesia, and multiple EU institutions (1991–1995), focusing on agricultural, forestry, and regional policies.

Professional Experience

  • Green Change Consulting (2022 – present)
    • Independent consultant focused on market entry between Finland/Europe ↔ Indonesia
    • Specialization: halal certification (mandatory in Indonesia from 2026), sustainable solutions, and bioeconomy expertise
    • Supporting SMEs, municipalities, and organizations in navigating the green transition
  • Regional Mayor, Regional Council of Ostrobothnia (2016 – 2021)
    • Led regional development in western Finland
    • Focused on sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation clusters
    • Director General, Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (2000 – 2016)
      • Managed 210 staff and €272 million budget
      • Oversaw EU and national programs (ERDF, ESF, EAGGF)
      • Promoted sustainable growth, business competitiveness, and labor market policy
      • Agricultural Counsellor, Finnish Representation to the EU, Brussels (1996 – 1997)
        • Participated in Special Committee of Agriculture and Council meetings
        • Represented Finland in EU agriculture, forestry, and regional policy
        • Head of District, Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, Vaasa (1993 – 1996)
          • Coordinated EU rural programs and farm diversification
          • Forestry & Agroforestry Expert, Enso-Gutzeit Ltd, Indonesia (1985 – 1986)
            • Supervised local teams and conducted research on nursery methods in South Kalimantan
            • Part of Finland–Indonesia cooperation in reforestation

            Board and Committee Roles (Selected)

            • Board Member, Otso Forest Service Finland
            • Board Member, Forest Centre Finland
            • Steering Committee Member, Kvarken Atlantica Interreg Program (FIN–SWE–NOR)
            • Chairman, Viexpo (1999–2014)
            • Board Member, Merinova Innovation Centre, Ostrobothnia

            Publications (Selected)

            • Simplification of EU’s Agricultural Policy (Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, 2007)
            • Regional Policy in the European Union (Vaasa, 1995)
            • Agroforestry in South East Asia (University of Helsinki, 1986)

            Languages

            • Finnish & Swedish (native)
            • English (excellent)
            • Danish, German (good)
            • French, Indonesian (fair)

            Full CV available upon request.