Johanna Saarinen
About Johanna Saarinen
Johanna Saarinen is the Director of Talent Management at Vaisala, where she has worked since 2019. She has extensive experience in talent management across various industries, including life sciences and IT, and holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Aalto University.
Current Role at Vaisala
Johanna Saarinen serves as the Director of Talent Management at Vaisala, a position she has held since 2019. In this role, she focuses on developing and implementing strategies that enhance talent acquisition and management within the organization. Her responsibilities include overseeing talent development initiatives and fostering a culture that supports employee growth and engagement.
Previous Experience in Talent Management
Prior to her current role, Johanna Saarinen held several significant positions in talent management across various industries. She was the Head of Talent Management at Bayer from 2014 to 2019, where she managed talent strategies in Espoo, Finland. Additionally, she worked at KONE as the Head of Talent and Competence Management from 2008 to 2012, and at Microsoft Oy as a Senior Human Resource Manager from 2004 to 2008.
Educational Background and Expertise
Johanna Saarinen earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Administration and Management from Aalto University, where she studied from 2012 to 2016. Her doctoral thesis focused on virtual leadership. Her educational background supports her expertise in cultural changes, change processes, and leadership development.
Diverse Industry Experience
Johanna Saarinen has a diverse working history that spans the life science, high-tech, and IT industries. She has held various roles in human resource management, including her time at IBM as a Manager for Human Resource Development from 1996 to 2000 and at Sun Microsystems as a Human Resource Manager from 2000 to 2004. This varied experience contributes to her comprehensive understanding of talent management across different sectors.
Coaching and Mentoring Skills
Johanna Saarinen has a strong background in coaching and mentoring, which complements her passion for leadership development. Her skills in these areas enable her to effectively guide individuals and teams through cultural changes and organizational transformations, aligning with her focus on the New World of Work.