Licentia’s board of directors has named Kari Paukkeri the company’s new chief executive officer. He is due to start at his new position by July 26th 2008. Until then, Markku Jalkanen will continue his post as temporary CEO.

Kari Paukkeri (47) holds a M.Sc. in Economics and Industrial Engineering. Previous to Licentia he served as President and CEO of Oy Jurilab Ltd, a Finnish genetics company, since the year 2001.

- Licentia’s selecting Kari Paukkeri as new chief executive officer is a result of the comprehensive assessment of the candidates. In the selection process, we especially valued past success in  commercialisation, solid international experience and understanding of financing field and start-up company management. Kari Paukkeri fulfils these criteria superbly, while having experience in different
businesses and cultures, says Licentia’s Chairman of the Board, Professor Marja Makarow.

Licentia Ltd

Licentia Ltd is the leading Finnish technology transfer company in the field of life sciences. Licentia commercialises inventions by licensing or selling IPR rights and in addition by building new start-up companies. Licentia’s customers are companies, private inventors, universities and other public research
organizations.

Further information:

Prof. Marja Makarow, Chairman of the Board, tel. +33 3 88 767 116
Prof. Markku Jalkanen, interim CEO, tel. +358 40 520 6124
Kari Paukkeri, tel. +358 400 897 014