Sarekoski to head up newly branded Veikkaus

Olli Sarekoski has been named as chief executive of Veikkaus, the Finnish gaming company that earlier this month rebranded from FRV Evo Oy.

Sarekoski had been serving as executive vice-president, with responsibility for its business operations for the past eight years.

FRV Evo Oy unveiled the new Veikkaus name earlier this month, announcing that the new brand would be implemented gradually before officially launching to its customers at the start of next year.

“The appointment of the CEO of the new gaming company was prepared for several months,” Veikkaus chairman Pekka Kallasvuo said.

“The board had thorough discussions with many good candidates from outside of the present gaming companies and many good candidates from the inside.”

Speaking about his new role with the firm, Sarekoski said: “The gaming company to be launched at the beginning of next year will need to earn its position among Finns from the very beginning; the company will be operating on a market that is subject to digital competition.

“We will need to be able to respond to that competition in a responsible manner in all respects.”