Finland: Helsinki-based holiday home rental agency Lomarengas has announced the appointment of Eva Kohonen as its new CEO, effective from 1 October.
She will replace current CEO Juha-Pekka Olkkola, who is retiring from the company.
Kohonen previously held management positions at management consulting service Salomaa Yhtiöti, media group Sanoma, retail conglomerate Kesko and publishing company WSOY, and she specialises in customer-focused service development.
Founded in 1967, Lomarengas claims to be Finland’s oldest and largest vacation rental company, with its roots in rural tourism tracing back to the country’s post-war era. The firm now rents out more than 3900 properties including cottages, villas and apartments.
Kohonen said: “Satisfied customers, a well-functioning online store and personal service are Lomarengas’ unbeatable combination.
“Domestic tourism is now on the crest of a wave – last summer was excellent in terms of sales of domestic rental cabins, and next winter’s pre-booking situation is good. I trust Finland’s attractiveness and the future of domestic tourism.
“I am very excited to develop Lomarengas’ services together with experienced professionals and the company’s board. Lomarengas is a well-known, trusted and responsible Finnish company whose values match well with mine.
“When it comes to management, I believe in customer orientation, an inspiring vision and team play,” she added.
Pasi Nieminen, chairman of the board of Lomarengas, said: “We are happy that we got a new member to the Lomarengas team. Eva has excellent conditions to manage Lomarengas in accordance with the expectations of the owners and customers.”
The Lomarengas Group includes parent company Lomarengas Oy, central accommodation booking agency Ylläksen Matkailu Oy, nature tourism focused company Villi Pohjola Oy and real estate business KRT Yhtiöt Oy.
In June, Lomarengas expanded its operations in the Pyhä area with the acquisition of PyhäBooking. The transaction – which concerns 100 rental cabins – will also become effective on 1 October, the same day as Kohonen will take over as CEO of Lomarengas.
