Biocode’s CEO Changing – Vilja Hannula Appointed Acting CEO

Ernesto Hartikainen, CEO of Biocode, is moving on to new opportunities outside the company. Vilja Hannula, Biocode’s Chief Operating Officer, will take over as Acting CEO.

Ernesto Hartikainen, who has served as Biocode’s CEO since 2020, has decided to continue his career outside the company. He will remain in his current role until December 31, 2024, after which he will continue collaborating with Biocode as an advisor to the Board and management.

“It has been an incredible journey to build Biocode from an idea into reality, and I want to extend my warmest thanks to everyone who has supported our work. Biocode has a unique opportunity to continue offering digital climate solutions for the food industry and agricultural entrepreneurs. Carbon footprint calculation is already a part of daily operations for many companies, and the pace of development is accelerating. Companies demand high-quality and cost-efficient solutions. My next personal challenge will be advancing the sustainability of stainless steel production at Outokumpu,” says Hartikainen.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ernesto for his persistent efforts in developing the company. After five years of work, we now have a globally unique product portfolio and a growing business. Under Vilja’s leadership, Biocode will continue selling solutions in a rapidly evolving market. Ernesto’s ongoing role as an advisor to the Board will provide continuity for the company’s development.

Harri Mäkivuokko, Chairman of the Board at Biocode

Vilja Hannula Appointed Acting CEO

The toarch will officially be passed on January 1, 2025, when Vilja Hannula, currently Chief Operating Officer, takes on the role of Acting CEO. Hannula has been with Biocode since 2023 and brings extensive leadership experience from startups and scaleups. She holds a degree in economics and is passionate about customer experience, green transformation, and value-driven business.

“Working with customers, I deeply empathize with how complex reliable climate impact calculations can be across the food value chain. Our mission is both inspiring and meaningful. Biocode has an excellent platform, a strong team, and a clear vision of the challenges we need to tackle next. I am proud to lead Biocode into the new year 2025 and to deliver these solutions to our customers and, ultimately, to our plates,” Hannula concludes.