A New Chapter Begins: Meet Our New CEO, Mervi Pänkäläinen

A New Chapter Begins: Meet Our New CEO, Mervi Pänkäläinen

At Seppo, we believe that change, when done with care and purpose, is often the key to progress. That’s why we are proud to announce a new chapter in our journey: on September 15, Mervi Pänkäläinen will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer.

This leadership transition has been carefully planned. After more than a decade leading Seppo from startup to international learning platform, founder and long-time CEO Riku Alkio will move into a new role focused on customer and partner success.

With this shift, Seppo gains both the steady vision of its founder and the fresh leadership needed for the company’s next stage of growth.

The Right Change at the Right Time

“For any founder, the company’s success is deeply personal”, says Riku.

“You build, you lead, and you care. But there comes a time when stepping aside is the most founder-like thing you can do. Especially when the company is ready for its next leap.”

Over the past 13 years, Riku has guided Seppo from an idea into a globally recognized learning platform. Now, with the company growing and the right leader in place, the timing is right to bring in fresh energy.

“With the company’s best interests at heart, I decided it was time to step down as CEO. We are entering a phase that calls for new insight and bold leadership. I couldn’t be more confident handing things over to Mervi,” he shares.

Meet Mervi: Human-centered, AI-savvy, Growth-Minded

Mervi is far more than a new pair of hands – she is a bold, creative leader who knows how to scale ideas that matter.

She brings nearly 25 years of experience across creative agencies, corporates, and growth companies. Her career has included leading transformation initiatives, launching teams, building brand strategies, and even founding her own edtech startup, Mightifier. At the heart of her work lies a single theme: helping people grow through learning and change.

Beyond her business track record, Mervi is also an AI & Future Skills Coach, supporting leaders in Europe and the United States as they navigate AI’s risks and opportunities – from literacy to leadership. Her perspective on the role of AI in shaping work and learning will be especially valuable as Seppo enters its next phase.

“Seppo has everything it takes for the next growth leap: a strong team, brilliant clients, and a great product,” Mervi says.

“This is the kind of moment that calls for the courage to challenge. I’m especially inspired by the role AI can play – not only in learning and customer experience, but in how we work every day. That’s where I believe I can bring real value. I’m genuinely excited to build the future of learning together,”

Mervi also brings strong international experience. Having spent seven years living and working in Silicon Valley, Houston, and Miami, she has built lasting networks across leadership, learning, and technology.

Same Mission, Fresh Momentum

This leadership change is grounded in continuity, trust, and shared excitement. For our customers and partners, day-to-day work will continue seamlessly. At the same time, Seppo is already tapping into Mervi’s insight and experience to help shape what comes next in learning innovation.

We’re thrilled to welcome Mervi as CEO and look forward to building the future of learning together.