Esteri Group, officially known as Veikko Nummela Oy/Ltd., based in Kaarina and Turku, Finland, will see a leadership transition at the turn of the year. Antti Kalliomäki, 30, currently the Deputy CEO, will take over as CEO. His father, Iivari Kalliomäki, the current CEO, will continue as Chairman of the Board.

A Thoughtful and Planned Generational Shift

This appointment is part of a long-considered and carefully planned process to pass the leadership of the family business to the next generation. This includes Antti’s brother, Emil Kalliomäki, who is responsible for the company’s international sales.

“Now was the right time to pass the baton to the next generation and entrust the future to those who will shape it,” says Iivari Kalliomäki, reflecting on his decision to step down as CEO.

Starting in January 2025, Antti Kalliomäki will lead Esteri Group. He has been a familiar face at the factory since the company returned to family ownership over ten years ago. According to the incoming CEO, his motivation is high, and he is eager to take on this role. He also holds a freshly completed EMBA degree.

Antti recalls being involved with Veikko Nummela himself as a young boy but officially joined the company only after his father, Iivari, brought it back into the family fold.

“I was eager to jump in immediately. However, I was advised to first gain work experience elsewhere. So, for a couple of years, I worked in the refrigeration field, installing and repairing systems,” Antti shares.

“My entrepreneurial approach did sit almost too well with my previous employer, and when I decided to return to work for my father, my manager wasn’t particularly thrilled,” he chuckles, reflecting on the decision that led him to join Esteri Group about ten years ago.

Growing into Responsibility ia a Family Business

Initially, Antti’s duties at Veikko Nummela Oy ranged from sweeping floors to moving pallet racks and working with drills and lathes. Eventually, he began assembling pumps and water monitors.

“I was first given significant responsibility when I was tasked with overseeing maintenance operations. Later, I became responsible for assembling water monitors and pumps. One of the new additions to our product range at that time was Hosemaster™, the advanced hose maintenance system,” Antti explains.

As the company expanded through acquisitions, Antti also took partial responsibility for production management. Two years ago, he was entrusted with overseeing the entire production process. Over the past three years, Antti has served as Deputy CEO and been a member of the executive team. During this time, he completed a degree in engineering and finished his EMBA studies. Naturally, his thesis focused on Esteri Group, titled “My Journey Through Leadership and Growth.”

Generational Transition and the Inevitability of Change

“For me, stepping into the leadership role has been a long-standing dream and a carefully considered goal. Still, the announcement of my appointment as CEO was a bit of a surprise—it was a profound, almost overwhelming moment,” Antti admits openly.

Preparations had, of course, been underway for years. The company is built on strong traditions and well-functioning practices—things Antti feels confident in relying on.

“I want to continue the excellent work my father has done. It’s a solid foundation upon which to build the future. Without nearly 60 years of effort by my father and previous leaders, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

At the same time, Antti acknowledges that current and future generations are different:
“I have a slightly different way of approaching things. For instance, so called soft values matter a lot more today, and they are aspects that weren’t even considered just a few years ago.”

Antti also points to his brother Emil’s generation, where workplace values and attitudes are evolving even more radically. This includes a greater emphasis on communication and the need for immediate access to information. The generational shift hasn’t always been without challenges.

Calmness and Determination as Core Values

The incoming CEO finds motivation in the slight stress and excitement of what lies ahead. Equally fulfilling is the satisfaction that comes from seeing things run smoothly without the need for constant oversight. Collaboration in problem-solving creates satisfaction, which directly translates into customer satisfaction.

When reflecting on his values and leadership approach, Antti highlights calmness and a clear sense of direction and purpose. He expects his vision for the company to become more defined in the early months of his tenure.

Initial plans include restructuring sales and customer service over the next five years, investing in high-quality marketing, and maintaining a positive work atmosphere and community. Antti believes in transparency about future strategies and goals, openly sharing where the company is headed and what it aims to achieve.

“Additionally, it’s important that everyone enjoys coming to work in the morning.”

As a leader, Antti promises to be fair and decisive, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. Strong teamwork is a top priority, along with leading by example.

“You have to act in alignment with the company’s values and promises,” he emphasizes.

Aiming for Growth

Esteri Group has grown in recent years and is likely to continue doing so, the new CEO predicts. The company is introducing a comprehensive range of CAFS products and a line of portable pump units (ASL). The Hosemaster system has already been heavily promoted.

“We’ve put significant effort into sales, especially in the U.S. If everything goes as planned, and given the work we’ve done to support growth, expansion is likely,” Antti explains.

However, he doesn’t necessarily prioritize a large increase in revenue, focusing instead on improving profitability.

“Sometimes it’s good to pause and carefully consider which initiatives are worth pursuing. It would be great to continue influencing the fire safety culture as we’ve done for decades.”

Esteri Group offers a long list of products and solutions that firefighting professionals need and value. Still, there are sectors where the company hasn’t traditionally had a significant presence.
“In Finland, for example, we have much to offer the national defense sector,” Antti suggests.

Internationalization ang going global remain key growth drivers. The company has invested heavily in this area and is likely to do so even more in the future.

“My younger brother Emil is gaining experience and growing into this area,” he adds.

Reliability Above All

On the path to growth, various challenges may arise. The global situation is demanding, and Finland’s current economic state is not particularly encouraging.

“The rescue sector is somewhat insulated from economic downturns, but the effects do trickle down with a slight delay. We need to be prepared for that,” Antti says.

The incoming CEO wants to remind everyone that Esteri Group, or Veikko Nummela Oy, has been a reliable and responsible partner since 1968.

“It will remain a reliable partner as long as I am in charge—and beyond. We always strive to produce the best possible products and be available to our customers. We will never leave a customer alone with a challenge,” Kalliomäki promises.