Say hi to Jenni, our new Chief People Officer!

Jenni: I am a people professional from Pirkanmaa, having spent the last eight years in the IT sector (Tecnotree and Ambientia). In total, I have 15 years of experience in HR, with a broad range of expertise.

I am educated as a social scientist, holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sussex (Brighton, UK) and a master’s degree from the University of Tampere.

What fascinates me about the IT industry is the continuous desire to develop and human-centric thinking in business practices. The industry itself also challenges me to grow professionally. However, the best part is the of amazing people you have as colleagues in this field.

Got any hobbies or other passions?

In my free time, I enjoy exercising, reading, and buzzing around Pirkanmaa, driving kids to their hobbies (soccer, ice hockey, athletics, and triathlon). Our family also includes a lionhead rabbit named Laku. I have a bit of a music nerd in me; I love attending gigs and listening to music, especially when doing writing work related to my job (I particularly enjoy indie rock from the ’70s to the ’00s). Ice swimming is also cool, as well as traveling and especially planning trips.

How have the first days gone by?

The first week flew by getting acquainted with my fellow employees and the new workplace. At the same time, I tried to familiarize myself with Mac and Google products (a deep dive from the world of PCs and Windows 😄). I also had the chance to visit our office in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. The best part has been meeting new colleagues and getting to know them, and how warm the welcome has been.

What was it that convinced you to join us?

Geniem (now Hion) immediately piqued my interest. As someone from Pirkanmaa, I was familiar with the company due to its unique workplace culture and strong technological expertise. We’ve already achieved great things, but there’s still a huge potential for even more! The new clear strategy and vision of what we are, what we offer, and to whom, was convincing.

It’s more than fantastic to be able to support Geniem in its future growth and to make it an even better place to work by further strengthening our good culture.

I also strongly felt that I would fit well into the team and would be able to utilize my expertise very effectively. New people, a new culture, and Geniem’s journey of transformation provide opportunities for my professional growth.

What are the first things you are going to tackle in your role?

• Recruitment and thereby supporting our growth (including the hiring of a new colleague, a Talent Acquisition Specialist)
• Actively involved in supporting the organization in implementing OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
• Systematic skill development in collaboration with Geniem’s Competence Leads
• With the update of our organizational structure, there are now first-time immediate supervisors – I find it important to support these new supervisors in their roles
• Strengthen and clarify basic processes and practices -> to ensure smooth daily operations.
• All these are intertwined with the new strategy, and the People Operations team, with its own goals and activities, supports the implementation of the strategy -> the strategy strongly guides our actions

What are your most important principles as a Chief People Officer?

• To be present and listen to people, and understand what is happening in the organization and the work community.
• Communication is leadership, leadership is communication.
• Understand the business and act as a partner who supports the business with their own expertise.
• Employees are the most important resource for our industry’s companies.
• Every work community is the sum of its parts, and each of us as employees can influence what kind of culture we have, what kind of workplace, community, and company we are.

What message would you like to send to the professionals considering applying to work with us?

Join our skilled yet approachable team! We care about you and your expertise, and carefully consider which team and project will allow you to shine! So, take a peek at our open positions on our careers page.