A Passion for People and Progress: Michael’s Career at Hanken & SSE

As the Commercial Director at Hanken & SSE, Michael leverages his extensive background in engineering and sales to create meaningful solutions for clients. Discover how his journey reflects a dedication to collaboration and continuous growth.

Who are you?

I am Micke/Mike, depending on the language we speak.

What do you do at Hanken & SSE?

I'm the Commercial Director at Hanken & SSE, with responsibility for Sales and Marketing.

What's your background?

I have a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Economics. My career began with research at the Department of Organic Chemistry at Åbo Akademi. I then transitioned to my first sales role at the French Gas Company Air Liquide in Sweden, where I was responsible for speciality gases in the Nordics. Following that, I worked as a Sales Performance Consultant specialising in B2B sales and sales leadership.

My journey continued with 13 years in the insurance industry, where I established the foundation for the Corporate Business Unit at Veritas Pension Insurance and led the sales team as the Sales Director. After a short career at MeetingPackage, a start-up focused on automated bookings for meeting rooms, I joined Hanken & SSE as Sales Director.

How did you end up at Hanken & SSE?

It all started when our CEO, Marc Hinnenberg, reached out to me for the second time, discussing the opportunity to blend book smarts with street smarts to create impactful solutions for interesting clients. This conversation inspired me, and here I am today.

What's the best thing about your job?

Our customers are fantastic and provide a variety of industries and challenges that fuel my curiosity. I also cherish collaborating with our talented team and the academic and industry experts we work with.

How would you describe yourself as a colleague?

I describe myself as accommodating, caring, and understanding. I strive to see the best in people and feel a sense of fulfilment when I witness others exceeding their own expectations. Knowing I played a part in their success is incredibly rewarding.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My day typically involves collaboration with various people to drive progress. I participate in numerous meetings, including customer discussions, design sessions, management updates, sales performance talks, and brainstorming new ways of working.

What do you enjoy outside work?

Outside of work, I hold several trusted positions within the sailing community. I am the Chair of the Match Racing Committee and the Youth Match Racing Working Party at World Sailing, representing the Finnish Sailing and Boating Federation in Nordic Cooperation. I actively engage in competitions, rules committees, and umpire match racing at international events.

I also enjoy reading, exploring new technology, and spending time with my family—my wife Lotta and our three grown children, Axel, Oscar, and Julia, who have all flown the nest.