Unifying culture, sports and business

This article has originally been published in the Espoo Magazine 4/2021

Read other articles in the Espoo Magazine 4/2021

Read more about Mervi Heinaro's thoughts

Last spring, when Mervi Heinaro saw an advertisement for the position of “vitality director” (“elinvoimajohtaja” in Finnish), the job title was completely foreign to her.

“It aroused my interest. What might that job involve?” says Heinaro.

On closer inspection, it proved to be a good match for Heinaro.

“I’ve worked in a number of managerial positions in various sectors, for both large groups and small start-ups, but almost always for companies that were international leaders in their field. However, I earned my first salary as an outdoor cleaner for the City of Lahti’s sports services. The diversity of this work interested me, as it combines three themes that are very close to my heart: business, sports and culture.”

In English, Heinaro’s title is Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Sports and Culture.

Text: Tiina Parikka