Satu Kuivasto appointed as Human Resources Director at Tampere University

The Human Resources Director leads the University's HR Services, which employs approximately 50 people. The key responsibility of the position is the development of the university staff’s competencies and the university’s HR Services, including management and leadership, and the development of the organization. The Director is a member of the university's Extended Management Group and reports to Vice Rector Antti Lönnqvist, who heads the University Services service division.

A total of 37 people applied for the position in an open call. The multi-stage selection process included three rounds of interviews, aptitude tests, and meetings with the chief shop stewards and the Board's HR Committee.

Kuivasto joins Tampere University from the municipality of Tuusula, where she has worked as Human Resources Director, Director of Joint Services and Municipality Manager. Her previous positions include HR Service Manager at the City of Tampere and HR Manager at Tampere Vocational College Tredu.  

“I'm extremely enthusiastic and open-minded in front of the new. The position of Human Resources Director at Tampere University offers me the opportunity to utilise my previous experience in strategic human resource management and organisational development," Kuivasto says. 

"It's great to get to be part of a competent and international university community and to be involved in developing a responsible work and leadership culture that values diversity. Securing the well-being at work and smooth everyday life of the staff is a matter of the heart for me, and I want to strengthen openness, a sense of community, diversity, high-quality leadership and opportunities for participation through my own actions. It also feels great to return to work in my hometown after four years in Tuusula and at the university, where I graduated with a master's degree in administrative sciences.”

Kuivasto will start in her new position at the beginning of August. Prior to that, she will introduce herself to the university community at the President’s current affairs info session in June. 

“I will start by familiarizing myself with the community's operating methods and culture. I will actively meet with management, key executives and stakeholders and listen to what kind of thoughts, needs and expectations there are for human resource management in the community. It is important to identify how strategic human resource management can support the achievement of the university's strategic goals and how smooth processes facilitate administrative work," Kuivasto says.

She thanks all parties involved in the recruitment process for their trust and a pleasant process. 

“Already during the recruitment process, my attention was drawn to the community's strong desire to hold on to shared values and to create and build new things together with a view to the future. I look confidently to the future and the power of working together.”