Juha Gröhn appointed Professor of Practice in Seinäjoki – Strengthening the competitiveness of the food industry

The activities will be centred in South Ostrobothnia. Gröhn will be based at the Seinäjoki University Consortium, which offers excellent opportunities for collaboration with four universities, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Seinäjoki Joint Municipal Authority for Education Sedu, and numerous companies and organisations.

Gröhn has extensive experience in both Finnish and international food industries. He retired from his position as CEO of Atria Plc in 2023. He has held several positions of trust, including serving as Chair of the Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation. Gröhn graduated with a Master of Science in Food Sciences from the University of Helsinki in 1990.

– The broad group of funders and supporters demonstrates how important the success and development of the food sector is considered in South Ostrobothnia and in Finland. It provides an excellent foundation for this work and creates positive expectations for achieving results. I hope to inspire and encourage universities, educational institutions, research communities and companies to collaborate even more closely. Supporting the future talents of the sector is also motivating. Science always goes hand in hand with practical application, says Gröhn.

Supported by a wide network of funders and partners

The Vaasa University Foundation was responsible for implementing and coordinating the fundraising required to support the Professorship of Practice.

– The idea emerged within the Vaasa University Foundation in the spring of 2025. The University of Vaasa gave its strong support to the development of the initiative. After a few months of work, we secured a sufficient number of funders. The Vaasa University Foundation warmly thanks its partners for their significant contribution, says Kalle Lähdesmäki, Chair of the University Foundation's Board of Trustees.

Several companies, foundations, associations and public organisations operating in South Ostrobothnia have so far contributed to the funding of the Professorship of Practice: Atria Suomi Ltd, South Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce, Etelä-Pohjanmaan Korkeakoulusäätiö, Etelä-Pohjanmaan Lehtiseura, Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia, Etelä-Pohjanmaan Maanviljelysseuran Säätiö, Etelä-Pohjanmaan Osuuspankki, Hehku Säätiö / Töysän Säästöpankkisäätiö, Ilkka Plc, INTO Seinäjoki Ltd, Kaleva Media Ltd, Kuortaneen Säästöpankkisäätiö, Laihian Mallas Ltd, Lähi-Tapiola Etelä-Pohjanmaa, Minimani Yhtiöt Ltd, MSK Group Ltd, Parkanon Säästöpankkisäätiö, and the City of Seinäjoki.

Marko Järvenpää, Dean of the School of Accounting and Finance at the University of Vaasa, considers the professorship a highly significant investment in the development of South Ostrobothnia’s most important industry. The Professorship of Practice is a part-time, fixed-term position within the University of Vaasa’s School of Accounting and Finance.

– We are very grateful for the funding received for this Professorship of Practice. It aligns perfectly with our university’s strategy and represents impactful collaboration at its best. Gröhn is an ideal choice for the role—his expertise, experience and national and international networks provide a strong basis for cooperation, growth, investment, and the development of education and research in the field. The food industry is at the core of the region’s business activities, supported by a highly committed group of funders and partners.

South Ostrobothnia and Seinäjoki are known as Finland’s food region; the area has long held the top position in both food production and processing. The industry sees significant growth potential both in exports and in the domestic market. Export growth is also supported by the recently completed Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Food Strategy 2040. Finland’s food trade balance remains significantly negative.

– It is encouraging to see concrete measures emerging to promote growth in the food sector. I believe this will benefit the entire food system, not just one region. This brings more opportunities for sharing top-level expertise within the industry, says Päivi Nerg, State Secretary of the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

According to Olli Tarkkanen, CEO of OP Etelä-Pohjanmaa, the Professorship of Practice located in Seinäjoki is precisely the kind of initiative that can strengthen the connection between academia and the business in the region.

– Bringing education and research into practical use in companies enables development tailored to each company’s needs. Supporting such activities fits directly with OP Etelä-Pohjanmaa’s core mission.

Heli Seppelvirta, Regional Mayor at the Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia, believes the professorship will enhance the competitiveness and growth of the food chain while strengthening education and research in the sector.

– The Professorship of Practice brings exactly the kind of visibility and expertise to Finland’s strongest food region that South Ostrobothnia needs. The Regional Council sees it as a key factor in strengthening the region’s profile as a centre of excellence and business in the food industry.