Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, June 2025 – Maarika Miettinen has started a new position as Head of People Operations at VR Group, where she will be responsible for leading and enhancing people operations across one of Finland’s most vital transport and logistics organizations. In her new role, Maarika will leverage her extensive expertise in HR management, strategy execution, and organizational leadership to help VR Group advance its mission for responsible, innovative, and people-focused transport services.
Prior to joining VR Group, Maarika served as Henkilöstöjohtaja (CHRO) at Evidensia Eläinlääkäripalvelut Oy for nearly three years. In this capacity, she was instrumental in leading HR strategy, driving organizational transformation, and managing a full range of HR functions, including stakeholder management, service design, policy development, and executive leadership support.
Before her time at Evidensia, Maarika held the position of Head of HR (CHRO) at Voimatel Oy for over three and a half years. There, she led HR, HSEQ, and communication functions, supported over 1,000 employees, streamlined payroll and HR processes, and served as a member of the management board reporting directly to the CEO.
Earlier, Maarika worked for over eight years at Kemira, progressing from Senior Manager, HR Services for Finland to Senior Manager, HR EMEA, North. In these roles, she managed HR operations across multiple Nordic countries, fostered strong stakeholder relationships, harmonized HR practices, and implemented global HR processes and policies.
Maarika’s career also includes over seven years as HR Manager at Instru Optiikka Oy, where she established the company’s HR function in Finland, led process harmonization, and managed both HRM and HRD initiatives. Her experience further spans recruitment and international assignments at GE and early-career HR specialist responsibilities at Instrumentarium Corporation.
About VR Group:
VR Group is a modern passenger, logistics, and maintenance service company owned by the Finnish state, with 160 years of industry experience. Operating in Finland and Sweden, VR is a pillar of national transport, facilitating over 15 million long-distance train journeys and 23 million tonnes of goods annually. Committed to sustainable progress, VR drives the shift toward carbon-neutral transport while promoting societal well-being and innovation. With net sales of EUR 1,294.7 million in 2024 and a workforce exceeding 8,400 professionals, VR continues to lead Finland into a responsible and connected future.
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