Norsepower appoints new CEO as Tuomas Riski steps down

Heikki Pöntynen, a member of Norsepower’s board, will take over as the company’s new chief executive. Mr Pöntynen has held several maritime management positions in Finland, China, Hong Kong and the USA.

Mr Riski, who has been chief executive for over a decade, was thanked for his contribution. Norsepower’s chairman of the board Erik Floman said, “Tuomas is a true pioneer and has been a superb asset for creating Norsepower; without him, we wouldn’t be the market leader of mechanical sails with a full orderbook. We want to thank Tuomas for the incredible job he has done. I’m also thrilled that Mr Pöntynen will join the team, bringing his considerable experience from working with companies at a similar phase of growth.”

Norsepower is a pioneer in the wind-assisted technology segment with its Rotor Sail technology – a modernised version of the Flettner rotor – finding takers among the industry’s biggest names including Oldendorff, Vale, Mitsui OSK Lines and Maersk Tankers.

Mr Riski said, “I’m extremely proud of what Norsepower is today. As a co-founder, I’ve had the privilege to lead our talented team and grow the company from an idea to a proven product. Norsepower is today the global market leader in the business of mechanical sails, shifting the whole maritime industry towards its net-zero goal.”

Mr Pöntynen previously served as a senior executive with Plannneri, R&M Group, Rauma Marine Constructions – Rauma Shipyard, Elomatic and MacGregor Group. 

Commenting on his new role, he said, “I’m delighted to join the expert Norsepower crew and am eager to throw myself into supporting the Norsepower team to succeed in their ambitious goals. This is a rare opportunity – to build a game-changing company and help in the critical role of reducing emissions from the global shipping industry.”