Ted Saari

Background

About Ted Saari

Background I have 30 years of leadership experience from various positions in different business environments and cultures. Main duties and skills developed over the years has been mainly around planning and execution of a rapid growth phase; change management, key partner relations, rapid growth planning, sustainable cost development, acquisition integration and renewal of customer service, marketing and inside sales into the business excellence department with all functions under one umbrella. Business Transformation In recent years I have mainly been leading the business transformation by reshaping the sales and marketing process in our sales organisation, set the framework for the on-boarding of personnel and process implementation for all the subs, defining the relevant sales efficiency KPI´s and review routines, ensure growth targets are achieved to a sustainable and long-term cost structure. Regional Responsibilities Since 2021 I´m working as the Regional Manager for the region including; Finland, China,(Russia*), Central Asia, Middle East, Eastern & Southeast Europe, Africa and South Africa. The main responsibility is to set the strategic direction and lead the implementation of the corporate strategy into local business environments.(*sub closed since 2022) Managing Director, China I have 3 years of experience (2018-21) as Managing Director for Mirka China located in Shanghai, improving the sales journey for our clients in terms of efficiency and quality, delivering outstanding solutions and services of surface finishing. The main responsibility was to oversee the day-to-day business operations, manage the local conversion sites, establish premium relations to key partners and secure enhanced governance and control functions. Export Sales, Finland HQ During the period of 2014-18, I was working in the role as Export Manager at Mirka Finland headquarter, responsibility for Global Partner accounts beside new market entries in Eastern and Southeast Europe, Central Asia and Africa. The business growth was remarkable mainly thanks to solid partnership relations and many new market entries. Summary Summarily I’m a straight-on personality with a strong to-do character, an engaging and listening leader. My core competence has become all types of change management, transition of individuals, teams, and organizations from their current state to a desired future state. Basically to minimize potential resistance, maximize employee engagement, and ensure that everyone is aligned with the new direction the organization is taking.