The opportunity to lead our operations in Finland – building something impactful in a brand-new market for us – made returning to Gleeds an exciting and natural choice for Jari. This is his second time working with us, following almost 15 years as Senior Building Surveyor for Gleeds Iberica before his career took him to pastures new.
As Country Director, Jari is responsible for establishing and strengthening our presence in Finland, which involves identifying new business development opportunities and representing Gleeds within the Finnish construction sector.
Jari’s day-to-day role combines overseeing operations with hands-on engagement. Guiding our teams to meet client expectations, he reviews key project updates and operational priorities and ensures colleagues have the support they need to make effective progress.
I like solving complex challenges, helping clients navigate their projects with confidence, and contributing to a culture where people feel empowered to do their best work.
Jari is particularly galvanised by the strategic aspect of his role: shaping Gleeds’ direction in the Finnish market, and positioning us as a trusted partner. The highlight of his time so far has been seeing his team grow, our reputation solidify, and our work contribute to meaningful projects:
It has reinforced my belief in the impact Gleeds can make when we combine global expertise with strong local insight.
The chance to explore new cultures and meet people from all over the world first enticed Jari to join the construction industry, along with its dynamic nature. “No two projects or clients are the same,” he explains, “and the constantly evolving market creates an environment where learning, adapting, and improving are part of everyday work.”
His decision to rejoin Gleeds was inspired by our collaborative culture. “It brings together talented people who share knowledge, support one another, and are passionate about driving successful outcomes,” he says. He relates especially strongly to our value of Professionalism with personality, which reflects how he tries to lead: “by building trust, fostering open communication, and ensuring people feel valued and heard.”
If asked by a new colleague for some words of wisdom, Jari would advise them to embrace Gleeds’ culture of collaboration and openness.
Get to know colleagues across different teams and regions. Be curious, and don’t hesitate to share your ideas; lean into opportunities to contribute. Above all – bring your authentic self to the role.
Outside of work, Jari enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors – whether it’s playing ice hockey, skiing, mountain biking, or simply taking time to recharge in the fresh air.