Kalle Saarimaa Appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NG Nordic

At the end of 2024, Summa Equity completed the acquisition of Fortum Recycling & Waste, through NG Group. Fortum Recycling & Waste and NG Group are coming together to become the leading Nordic provider of circular solutions and environmental services under the new name NG Nordic. Simultaneously, the company is pleased to announce the appointment of Kalle Saarimaa as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Kalle Saarimaa will lead the business area focusing on industrial customers specialized on removing hazardous substances from circulation. Additionally, he will take on the Chief Operating Officer role at NG Nordic. Saarimaa brings key experience and expertise in circular solutions and environmental services. He is returning from a successful tenure as the CEO of Tana, a leading global machinery and equipment manufacturer for the mechanical processing of solid waste. Saarimaa previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Fortum Circular Solutions until 2023.

Saarimaa has a wide network within the European waste industry and has been active in board positions of various waste companies and industry associations. His vast experience in managing business operations, supply chains, and consulting, combined with his in-depth insights into circular economy practices, makes him ideally suited to become part of the Executive Leadership Team in the new company playing a key role in driving NG Nordic into its next growth phase.

"The merger of the two companies presents an incredible opportunity to leverage our combined strengths and drive innovative solutions to increase the circularity of materials and offer the widest portfolio of waste services in the Nordics to our customers. I look forward to working alongside a talented team to lead the change in transforming waste into valuable resources, innovating new solutions, and delivering sustainable results for our customers, society and stakeholders", says Saarimaa.

Saarimaa comprehensively understands recycling, hazardous waste management, and environmental construction. During his time at Fortum in 2017-2023, he played a crucial role in transforming the company's recycling and waste operations from a local focus on hazardous waste into a leading provider of circular economy solutions across the Nordic region. His proven track record of delivering profitable business growth, along with his extensive knowledge of international environmental management, will be instrumental in advancing the strategic objectives of NG Nordic.

"Kalle Saarimaa brings valuable expertise and a strong track record in circular solutions. His leadership will be key to ensuring operational excellence and supporting NG Nordic’s growth as we embark on this transformative journey", says Bjørn Arve Ofstad, CEO of the combined company.

NG Nordic will implement its operational model with the new Executive Leadership Team and launch a unified brand at the start of the second quarter of 2025. Until then, Saarimaa will join Fortum Recycling & Waste starting February 10.

Read more in the press release about: New Executive Leadership Team Announced for NG Nordic, the Combined Company of NG Group and Fortum Recycling & Waste