Arto Hirvonen
About Arto Hirvonen
Arto Hirvonen serves as the R&D Program Manager at Vaisala in Vantaa, Finland, where he has worked since 2021. He holds a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Economics and has extensive experience in product development and management across various companies, including Nokia and Microsoft.
Work at Vaisala
Arto Hirvonen has been serving as the R&D Program Manager at Vaisala since 2021. In this role, he is responsible for leading a department of 22 product development managers and team assistants. His focus includes resource management, leadership, and overseeing the department budget. Hirvonen's coaching leadership style emphasizes competence development, aligning with Vaisala's commitment to innovation and quality in research and development.
Education and Expertise
Arto Hirvonen holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Economics from Tampere University of Technology, which he completed between 1988 and 1995. He has further enhanced his skills through various programs, including a Diploma in Project Management from Aalto University in 2016, Lean Principles for Efficient Product Development from Ratekoulutus Oy in 2019, and a Coaching Program for Design and Engineering Management from Completo Consulting in 2018. Additionally, he studied Data Analytics in Business at Saranen Consulting in 2021.
Professional Background
Before joining Vaisala, Arto Hirvonen held significant positions in various organizations. He worked at Meyer Turku as Head of Department for Product Technology Development from 2016 to 2021. Prior to that, he spent 20 years at Nokia as Head of Product Development Management from 1994 to 2014. He also served as a Product Development Manager at Microsoft for one year in 2014-2015. His extensive experience spans multiple facets of product development and management.
Achievements in Program Management
Arto Hirvonen implemented a global program management process at Nokia, which continued after the company's acquisition by Microsoft. This initiative reflects his strategic approach and ability to lead complex projects effectively. His leadership experience includes managing large teams and overseeing significant budgets, demonstrating his capability in driving product development initiatives.
Continuous Professional Development
Arto Hirvonen actively engages in continuous professional development to enhance his competencies. He participates in reading, webinars, and training sessions to stay updated with industry trends and best practices. His calm and analytical demeanor, combined with a strategic view and attention to detail, supports his effectiveness as a leader in the field of research and development.