Saara Smura

Saara Smura has a diverse work experience spanning various communications and management roles. Saara began their career as a Communications Researcher and Graphic Designer at the Department of Engineering and Industrial Management in the University of Vaasa. Later, they worked as a Communications Assistant at the National Land Survey of Finland.

In 2007, Saara joined the Manpower Professional Business Unit as a Communications Specialist, and shortly after, they transitioned to become a Communication & Change Management Consultant at Communicea Oy. In this role, they provided strategic planning and implementation of internal communication, marketing, and change management for global large companies.

Saara then moved on to Outokumpu, where they held the positions of Change & Communications Manager, Corporate Communications and Head of Corporate Communications (interim). Saara was responsible for change and communications management, stakeholder engagement, and employer branding within the organization.

In 2018, Saara joined Purmo Group as a Communications Manager, where they built the company's communications capabilities and developed the corporate brand. Saara later became the Chief Communications Officer, responsible for developing the company's internal and external communications strategy.

Saara then moved to Wärtsilä, starting as the Director of Global Internal Communications. In this role, they owned global internal communications on topics such as executive communications, internal narrative, and financial communications. Saara also oversaw the development of initiatives such as narrative and content strategy. Later, they served as the Head of Communications & Branding (interim) before becoming the Vice President of Corporate Communications. In this role, Saara led Wärtsilä's Corporate Communications team, overseeing internal communications, media relations, and sustainability messaging.

Most recently, Saara has been appointed as the Vice President of Executive Communications at Fortum. In this role, they are responsible for the CEO's and Chair's internal and external communications, media relations, and public profile. Saara also supports the CEO & Chair in strategy implementation, management processes, and high-level political and business contacts.

Saara Smura's education history includes the following:

- In 2023, they attended IMD for a leadership program.

- From 2019 to 2020, Saara studied at the Management Institute of Finland MIF Oy, where they completed the VPK Executive program with a specialization in Communications.

- In 2011-2012, they attended Infor and completed the Infor-VPD program, focusing on becoming a Communications Manager (Viestintäpäällikön koulutusohjelma).

- In 2006, Saara undertook studies in Icelandic language and culture at Háskóli Íslands.

- From 1999 to 2006, they pursued their Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Communication, General at the University of Vaasa.