Story Summary
Kiekko-Espoo Oy has announced the composition of its new board following the company’s shareholders’ meeting. Two new members, Amel Gaily and Erkki Zaiedman, were elected at the 3.9 meeting. The board convened for the first time on 14.9. Henrik Pankakoski, who had served on the board for several years, has left the board. Existing directors remaining on the board are chair Arto Linnervuo, vice-chair Jan Westö and members Olli Hänninen, Nora Ojala (chair of Kiekko-Espoo Ry), Karri Kivioja and Toni Kähkönen.
Key Facts
- Kiekko-Espoo Oy’s shareholders’ meeting on 3.9. elected two new board members.
- The board met for the first time on 14.9.
- New board members are Amel Gaily and Erkki Zaiedman.
- Henrik Pankakoski left the board after several years of service.
- Amel Gaily is chief executive officer of wellbeing technology company Cuckoo Networks Oy.
- Gaily said she has progressed through Espoo’s hockey pathway from Noux to Blues and called Kiekko-Espoo a “great brand”.
- Gaily added that much good work has been done, that the club is in an interesting situation and that she sees “huge potential” in Espoo.
- Erkki Zaiedman is a K-food retailer at K-Supermarket Lasihytti and K-Market Kauklahti through Kapseri Oy, and serves on the K-Supermarket chain’s board.
- Zaiedman said Espoo hockey has been close to his heart and that he wanted to give something back, adding that developing local Espoo is important to him and that Kiekko-Espoo suits his work perfectly.
- Continuing on the board are chair Arto Linnervuo, vice-chair Jan Westö and members Olli Hänninen, Nora Ojala (Kiekko-Espoo Ry chair), Karri Kivioja and Toni Kähkönen.
IHM Discussion
The board change at Kiekko-Espoo Oy is an organisational development that mixes corporate and local retail experience with a technology-sector executive. The company confirmed the formal election of Amel Gaily and Erkki Zaiedman at the shareholders’ meeting on 3.9 and noted the board’s first meeting on 14.9. The departure of Henrik Pankakoski clears space for the two additions without altering the rest of the existing board, which remains led by chair Arto Linnervuo and vice-chair Jan Westö. Both new members framed their participation in local and personal terms: Gaily referenced a long personal connection to Espoo hockey and Zaiedman emphasised a desire to support the local community.
Why It Matters
Board composition can influence a club’s strategic direction and community relationships. Gaily arrives from the wellbeing technology sector as chief executive of Cuckoo Networks Oy, while Zaiedman brings grocery-retail experience through two K-brand stores and a role on the K-Supermarket chain’s board. Both highlighted ties to Espoo and a wish to contribute locally, underlining the local perspective behind the appointments.
Mini Q&A
Who were the new board members appointed to Kiekko-Espoo Oy?
Amel Gaily and Erkki Zaiedman were elected to the board.
When were the new members elected and when did the board first meet?
They were elected at the shareholders’ meeting on 3.9., and the board met for the first time on 14.9.
Who left the board to make way for the new appointments?
Henrik Pankakoski, who had served on the board for several years, left the board.
What are the professional backgrounds of the new appointees?
Amel Gaily is chief executive of wellbeing technology company Cuckoo Networks Oy. Erkki Zaiedman is a K-food retailer at K-Supermarket Lasihytti and K-Market Kauklahti through Kapseri Oy, and serves on the K-Supermarket chain’s board.
Which board members remain in place following the changes?
Chair Arto Linnervuo, vice-chair Jan Westö and members Olli Hänninen, Nora Ojala (chair of Kiekko-Espoo Ry), Karri Kivioja and Toni Kähkönen remain on the board.
IHM Final View
Kiekko-Espoo’s new board is now a mix of longstanding club figures and recently appointed local and commercial leaders. With the formal election on 3.9 and the inaugural meeting on 14.9 completed, the immediate governance picture is clear: two new voices join an otherwise unchanged board. How those voices influence commercial partnerships, community work and the club’s broader strategy will be visible only through the board’s future activity; the statement so far is one of intent and local commitment rather than specific operational change.