Annika Sormunen

Background

About Annika Sormunen

I'm a 41 years old Program Development Manager at GRK Infra Oy. I have achieved this position by being hard-working, active and persistent. Ever since my undergraduate studies my goal has been to work in the growing field of environmental technology. During my career, especially different types of waste materials and their recycling and utilization have been my expertise and enthusiasm. I want to be part of developing new ways how to impede circular economy in everyday business, since I believe that this is a solution to save our planet for the next generations. And collaboration is one of the most important things in this aim, which I am ready to increase in the future. I've studied a lot during the past 15 years. My latest degree is PhD degree from Tampere University of Technology, and the reason why I started such huge project, is simply because I love studying. I'm a performer and I see every course and thesis as a project, that needs to be delivered efficiently and thoroughly. Learning new things keeps me inspired. I've worked in the field of environmental technology since 2007. First, I started as a field worker, who literally puts her hands in mud (or in this case contaminated soil). Gradually, my responsibilities were grown, and I worked several years as a project manager, an environmental specialist, and an R&D manager in both consultancy and the industry. Between 2019-2023, I worked at Fortum in different roles. First at Recycling & Waste, where my duties were to develop new utilization possibilities for ash & slag from WtE plants, and also to take care of our Finnish Ash & Slag customers. In autumn 2021, I was promoted as Research Collaboration Lead, and in this position I was responsible for creating and improving the collaboration with universities and research institutes in order to find new innovations to our company. Since 2023 I have been working in my current role at GRK with business development, R&D projects, and complex alliance construction projects. My achievements in studies and career prove that I am capable to handle large entities, and I always work efficiently. This applies to my personal life as well. I have given birth and raised two children within my PhD studies, and we are still best friends with my husband. I believe that communication, cooperation, and humor are the keys to success. During my spare time, I do a lot of sports (floorball, jogging, HIIT etc.), since it keeps me fit both mentally and physically. And that is something I try to teach my children as well.