Hannu Turunen, CEO of the Enclosures business line, is soon to retire after an illustrious career, having worked in significant leadership roles at top companies like ABB, Vaisala, Elisa, DNA, and Nokia. With his background in finance and industrial management, Hannu’s professional journey spans a wide range of industries, from industrial technology to telecommunications and electronics. His career has been marked by leadership in finance, strategy, business development, and general management, all of which laid the foundation for his successful tenure at Fibox.
I haven’t really planned my career in great detail, I’ve simply embraced the work that has come my way, Hannu explains, reflecting on his journey. His readiness to take on challenges, learn from them, and adapt to changing circumstances has been key to his success.
Career development at Fibox: From CFO to CEO of Enclosures
Hannu joined Fibox in 2016 as Group CFO, attracted by the opportunity to work in a family-owned business with international reach. I was interested in the opportunity to influence things more broadly – to shape strategy, build business, and make a difference, he explains.
His years at Fibox have been marked by strategic leadership, operational development, and a strong global perspective, all of which helped position the company for growth and success.
In 2023, Hannu transitioned into the role of CEO of Enclosures, where he now leads the business from Fibox’s headquarters in Espoo. Here, he has applied his earlier experience in new ways, focusing on business performance, customer value, and long-term competitiveness in key growth areas like renewable energy and smart infrastructure.
Under Hannu’s leadership, the global team has honed its strategic focus, refined its offering, and enhanced operational efficiency, all while ensuring a strong customer-centric approach.
Leadership built on fairness, clarity, and trust
Hannu’s leadership philosophy is grounded in three core principles: fairness, clarity, and trust. My role is to ensure people know what we’re aiming for and that they have the space and trust to do their job well. If we get the basics right, results will follow, he says.
For Hannu, leadership starts with a clear strategy and achieving progress in alingnment with that strategy. The key is to ensure that we take care of results. A clear mission helps to maintain focus and motivation, Hannu explains. He believes that, once the goal-setting is in place, the team should be aligned toward it, with an open and encouraging environment supporting them.
Hannu stresses the importance of open communication and is convinced that non-hierarchical, collaborative culture is vital for success. At the end of the day, this is all about people. If people are treated fairly and openly, it creates trust – and on trust, you can build anything. He believes that this principle applies not only to internal company relationships but also to customer interactions.
Leadership, according to Hannu, doesn’t have to involve dramatic changes. Some are good at making quick turns, but I’m not that kind of person. I’m more about steady, consistent progress, moving forward in a disciplined manner, he says.
Known for his calm and analytical approach, Hannu also appreciates the value of momentum: Not everything needs to be perfect before we act. It’s often better to try something, learn fast, and move forward.
Passion outside the office: Running and craftsmanship
Outside of work, Hannu’s passions include long-distance running and woodworking. As an avid runner, he has completed numerous marathons, including a personal best of 3:58:24 at the Seoul Marathon in March 2025, held in South Korea. Running gives rhythm to my weeks and space to think. And yes, it also gives me permission to enjoy chocolate without guilt, he smiles.
Hannu also has a creative side, indulging in woodworking as a hobby. He has built several acoustic guitars and two violins by hand, enjoying the precision and patience required for such craftsmanship. Both running and woodworking are about focus and progress – one step at a time. They help me disconnect and reconnect, he reflects.
Insights into Fibox’s success and look ahead
What does Hannu attribute to Fibox’s success? Great products, especially the enclosures – they have incredibly long lifecycles, and our customer relationships are long-lasting and loyal, he says. We don’t need to push innovation at full throttle; the continuity and reliability of our products set us apart. No competitor can just sweep us off our feet.
He also emphasizes the value of Fibox’s informal culture, which allows people to be themselves. We have a grounded, practical approach to solutions, and customers have told us that visiting Fibox feels like working with people who are down-to-earth, straightforward. He also highlights the importance of pleasant colleagues and a supportive work community as essential elements that contribute to wellbeing at work and long-term motivation.
As Hannu prepares to retire in June, he reflects on what truly matters in leadership and it’s something that goes beyond titles or positions. I aim for balance and peace of mind. Those are the foundations of a good life, he says.
Hannu’s contributions have left a lasting mark. Fibox is deeply grateful for his years of exceptional leadership and wishes him all the best in his next chapter.
Hear the guitar built by Hannu Turunen – played by Juha Hiltunen
