Photonics Finland is excited to announce the appointment of Anne-Maria Kankaisto as our new Communications Manager. With a wealth of expertise in branding, strategic communications, and photonics industry-specific outreach, Anne-Maria is a valuable addition to our team.
In her new role, Anne-Maria will focus on strengthening Photonics Finland’s brand identity, driving communications across a wide range of stakeholders and fostering partnerships across industry and academia. Her expertise will also support strategic projects and events that contribute to Finland’s growing role in the global photonics landscape.
Her energy and insights will help to accelerate Photonics Finland’s strategic vision into tangible results—bringing greater visibility to Finland’s flourishing photonics community and highlighting the importance of light-based technologies in the broader technology landscape.
Holding an MBA in Leadership and Business Development, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Marketing, Anne-Maria has built an impressive international career in management and communications roles across various sectors.
Before joining Photonics Finland, Anne-Maria worked at Business Joensuu, where she played a leading role in investment promotion marketing as well as developing and communicating the Photonics Joensuu brand. She has led strategic and impactful ecosystem communications on various projects receiving recognition such as the Internationalization Award of the President of the Republic of Finland and Finnish Comms Awards in 2024. She has already been actively involved in major photonics industry events, such as Optics & Photonics Days (OPD).
“I’m thrilled to join Photonics Finland at such an exciting time for the industry. With the photonics sector growing rapidly—and with our shared vision to strengthen Finland’s photonics ecosystem—I look forward to amplifying our collective achievements, deepening dialogue with industry, research and public authorities, and creating real value for our members”, says Anne-Maria.
As Anne-Maria joins Photonics Finland, our team significantly increases its resources for effective communication, bringing more visibility for the whole industry and our members. Tuukka Pakarinen, who has previously been in charge of both communications and events, will from now on focus more on producing and developing events and dealing with membership matters as Events and Membership Manager of Photonics Finland.
”We warmly welcome Anne-Maria to the Photonics Finland team – her expertise and passion will undoubtedly amplify our impact and visibility even further”, says Tuukka.