University management
Rector
Arto Maaninen
The Rector leads the university’s operations and is responsible for the economical, efficient, and effective discharge of its mission.
PhD Arto Maaninen began his term as Rector of the University of Oulu on 1st January 2025.
Maaninen served as Vice Rector for Cooperation at the University of Oulu from 2017 to 2024. Prior to that, he worked at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in research management roles and as a research professor. Since 2004, he has been an adjunct professor of inorganic chemistry at the University of Oulu.
Arto Maaninen completed his doctoral thesis at the University of Oulu in 1999. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Science from the University of Oulu in 1995.
Executive Assistant (Rector)
Katja Seppälä
katja.seppala@oulu.fi
Tel. +358 294 484 071, +358 40 540 1060
Vice Rector for Research
Taina Pihlajaniemi
The Vice Rector for Research is responsible for the productivity of the University’s research activities and services supporting them, and the quality and development of research. Objectives directing the operation include internationality, high quality and interdisciplinary research. In addition, efficient utilisation of up-to-date infrastructures, and promotion of open and responsible science are seeked.
Vice Rector for Education
Mirja Illikainen
The Vice Rector for Education is responsible for the productivity of the University’s education activities and their supporting services, and the quality and development of education. Key responsibilities include developing degree education, services of continuous learning and student experience.
Executive Assistant (Vice Rectors)
Jaana Vainionpää
jaana.vainionpaa@oulu.fi
Tel. +358 294 484 073
Administrative Director
Essi Kiuru
The Administrative Director assists the Rector in leading the University, making initiatives for renewing the activities of the University, especially in management, organization and work processes.
Executive Assistant (Administrative Director)
Päivi Nylund
paivi.nylund@oulu.fi
Tel. +358 294 482 905
Human Resources Director
Jarmo Okkonen
Human Resources Director is responsible for the definitions of policy in human resources management, in accordance with the University strategy. The Director's area of responsibility includes the development of recruiting, managing, knowhow and well-being of personnel. The Director works in close cooperation with the Unviersity's management, superiors and personnel representatives.
Chief Financial Officer
Pekka Riuttanen
Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the internal and external accounting of the University, its quality and its development.
Development Director
Johanna Bluemink
Development Director leads university-level strategic development with her Unit for Strategy and Science Policy (STY). The unit is responsible for knowledge management and supports the University’s decision-making, quality assurance and research assessment. The unit coordinates international affairs and policies for sustainable development, open science and responsible research.
Director of University Service Processes
Marja Sarajärvi
The Director of University Service Processes is responsible for the service processes of the University and the development of services. The Director works in close cooperation both with the service providers and the service customers.
Communications Director
Marja Jokinen
Communications Director is responsible for the strategic planning, realization and development of the external and internal communications and marketing of the University. A central task of the Director is improving the business image and the business and media relations of the University.
Executive Assistant (other management)
Jaana Vainionpää
jaana.vainionpaa@oulu.fi
Tel. +358 294 484 073