Finnish Film Foundation’s Managing Board and CEO
The Finnish Film Foundation is an independent foundation supervised by the Department for Cultural Policy at the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Foundation is governed by the Managing Board nominated by the ministry and the CEO nominated by the Board. The Managing Director nominates the Foundation´s personnel.
Managing Board
The Foundation’s regulations define the governing bodies and their tasks. The Foundation’s Managing Board consists of at least five and no more than eight members, including the Chair and the Vice Chair, and it is elected for a term of three calendar years. Each member is appointed a personal deputy. Members can be elected for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The Managing Board is responsible for:
- managing the Foundation’s assets diligently and economically
- overseeing the Foundation’s administration
- approving the Foundation’s annual report and financial statements, as well as inspecting the financial auditor’s report
- approving the Foundation’s yearly strategy and budget and choosing the financial auditors
- approving the Foundation’s procedures and rules and regulations
- approving support guidelines
- outlining the Foundation’s strategy and operating policies
- nominating and dismissing the CEO
- signing off on all support decisions presented by the Foundation
Finnish Film Foundation’s Managing Board Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025:
| Members | Period | Deputy member | Period |
| Veronica Lindholm (Chair) | 2025–2027 | Sanna Haanpää | 2025–2027 |
| Tommi Saarikivi (Vice Chair) | 2025–2027 | Erkki Astala | 2025–2027 |
| Jari Muikku | 2025–2027 | Juha Samola | 2025–2027 |
| Laura Kolbe | 2025–2027 | Satu Kyösola | 2025–2027 |
| Maija Kuusi | 2023–2025 | KooPee Hiltunen | 2023–2025 |
| Leif Jakobsson | 2023–2025 | Pirjo Airaksinen | 2023–2025 |
Finnish Film Foundation’s CEO
The CEO of the Finnish Film Foundation is Lasse Saarinen. He was appointed for a second 5-year term in November 2020.
The Foundation’s CEO is responsible for
- directing and developing the Foundation’s operations according to the strategy and guidelines approved by the Board
- implementing the decisions taken by the Board
- managing the administration of the Foundation’s day to day operation
- nominating and dismissing the Foundation’s personnel
The CEO is appointed for a term of no more than five years with no more than two consequtive terms. Vacancy for a new CEO is always announced publicly.