Kati Paatero
About Kati Paatero
Kati Paatero is a Senior Program Manager at Varjo, with a diverse background in hardware design and product development across several companies, including Nokia and Microsoft. She holds a Master's degree in Technological Competence Management and has extensive experience in both consumer and B2B electronics.
Work at Varjo
Kati Paatero currently holds the position of Senior Program Manager at Varjo, a role she has occupied since 2023 in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland. Prior to this position, she served as Program Manager at Varjo from 2019 to 2023. In her roles, she has been responsible for leading product programs and managing team resources, contributing to the company's development in the virtual and augmented reality sectors.
Previous Experience at Nokia
Kati Paatero has extensive experience at Nokia, where she worked in various capacities over several years. Her roles included Hardware (BB) Design Engineer from 2002 to 2004, Hardware Engineering Manager (RF) from 2004 to 2006, Hardware Team Lead and BB Project Manager from 2006 to 2011, and Product Development Manager from 2011 to 2014. During her tenure, she was involved in product development and engineering, contributing to both consumer and B2B electronics.
Experience at Microsoft
From 2014 to 2017, Kati Paatero worked at Microsoft in Espoo as a Product Development Manager, Development Lead, and Engineering Lead. In these roles, she contributed to the development of products, leveraging her engineering expertise to enhance product quality and performance.
Education and Expertise
Kati Paatero studied at Turku University of Applied Sciences, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications Engineering from 1998 to 2002 and a Master's degree in Technological Competence Management from 2008 to 2010. Her educational background supports her extensive knowledge in manufacturing processes and product lifecycle management, which includes concept development, mass production, and maintenance.
Career Development and Startups
After her time at Microsoft, Kati Paatero worked at Emergence Oy as a Program Manager from 2017 to 2019. She has also recently collaborated with two startup companies, contributing to their growth and success from the ground up. Her diverse experience across different sectors highlights her adaptability and expertise in managing product development initiatives.