People & Careers

Nokian Tyres Names Ville Mansikkamäki SVP for Heavy Tyres

Published:

April 30, 2026

Author:

James Lockwood

Nokian Tyres has appointed Ville Mansikkamäki as Senior Vice President, Heavy Tyres, with the role due to begin by 1 October 2026. Based in Nokia, Finland, he will join the company’s Management Team and report to President and CEO Paolo Pompei. The move places an experienced machinery-sector executive at the head of Nokian’s heavy tyre business.

A leadership change in Nokia

Mansikkamäki joins Nokian Tyres from Ponsse Plc, where he currently serves as VP, Europe. His previous senior leadership roles include posts at CNH, Valtra and AGCO, giving him experience across machinery, agricultural equipment and international sales channels. He holds an Executive MBA and a BSc in Logistics.

He will succeed Tron Gulbrandsen, who has been managing Nokian Heavy Tyres on an interim basis alongside his regular role as SVP, Passenger Car Tyres, Nordics. Nokian Tyres said Mansikkamäki’s appointment supports the continued development of its heavy tyres business.





Why it matters for heavy tyres

The appointment comes as Nokian continues to rebuild and reshape parts of its European business. Recent Tyre News coverage has tracked the company’s wider production recovery following its Russia exit, including the operational importance of its European capacity reset.

Heavy tyres remain strategically key for Nokian because the segment serves demanding applications including forestry, agriculture, ports, terminals and other specialist off-highway operations.

Pompei points to machinery experience

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres, said Mansikkamäki’s “deep expertise in machinery industry” and international leadership background would support the development of the heavy tyres business. He also thanked Gulbrandsen for his leadership and contribution during the interim period.

In practice, the appointment gives Nokian Heavy Tyres a dedicated

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