VANTAA, Finland - Susanna Aaltonen has been appointed Vice President, Communications and member of the Tikkurila Management Board as of Oct. 1, 2008. Tikkurila is responsible for Kemira's paints and coatings business. Aaltonen will be responsible for Tikkurila’s Group Communications and report to Visa Pekkarinen, President for Kemira Coatings.
 
The Board of Kemira has decided to spin off Tikkurila from Kemira and list Tikkurila Oy on the Helsinki Stock Exchange during the first half of 2009. Kemira will focus on water and pulp&paper chemistry.
 
Aaltonen has previously worked in Kemira as Communications Manager responsible for media relations, stock exchange communications and group-level publications. Before this, she held various expert and managerial positions in the financial administration and communications at Skanska.
 
Arja Schadewitz has been appointed Director, Financial and Stock Exchange Communications, for Tikkurila Oy; she will report to Aaltonen.