Ari Björkqvist

Ari Björkqvist has extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Ari began their career in 1981 at Rantasipi hotels, where they held various positions in sales and marketing until 1992. Ari then joined Best Western Seaside Hotel as a Marketing Manager until 1997. From 1999 to 2001, they served as the CEO and Managing Director of Best Western Finland. Ari then worked as a Lecturer/Teacher at Haaga Institute Polytechnic from 2001 to 2003. Starting in 2003, Ari joined Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, where they held various roles including Programme Director, Dean and Director of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Programmes, and Project Director. Ari'sresponsibilities in their most recent role at Haaga-Helia included heading the Education Export and Commercial Online content. Ari retired happily in October 2023.

Ari Björkqvist holds a Master's Degree in Language Interpretation and Translation from the University of Turku, which they obtained from 1983 to 1987. In addition, they have an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and Management from Haaga Institute Polytechnic, which they completed from 1996 to 1998. Ari also pursued various professional development courses and certifications, including a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) qualification from www.ahlei.org in 2011. Ari completed teacher pedagogical studies for 35 credit weeks at Haaga-Helia School of Vocational Teacher Education from 2002 to 2003. Furthermore, Ari has a Bachelor's Degree in DKK - diplomikielenkääntäjä from Turku Language Institute, which they obtained from 1981 to 1983. Other educational experiences include completing an Associate's Degree in Marketing/Marketing Management from Markkinointi-instituutti from 1987 to 1989 and completing courses in Strategic Management from the University of Jyväskylä in 1991. Ari also acquired qualifications in Managing Sales from SEFEK in 1990 and Situational Leadership from Yritysvalmennus in 1989. Ari has some incomplete education as well, namely a Master's degree from the University of Turku and an MKT degree from Markkinointi-instituutti.