Apetit: CEO to step down with a long transition period
Summary
- Apetit announced that CEO Esa Mäki has resigned for personal reasons but will remain in his role until the end of May 2027, and as an advisor until the end of the year.
- During Mäki's tenure, Apetit's core business profitability has strengthened, although the recent growth strategy has increased the company's risk profile.
- The Board of Directors will start the search for a new CEO immediately, as a swift appointment is deemed beneficial for advancing the growth strategy.
- The management change does not prompt any estimate changes according to the analyst's view.
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Translation: Original published in Finnish on 10/26/2026 at 9:00 am EET.
Apetit announced this morning that CEO Esa Mäki has resigned for personal reasons. Mäki has led the company for over seven years, during which the profitability of Apetit’s core business has strengthened broadly. On the other hand, the growth strategy launched a year ago has raised the company’s risk profile and, in our view, requires intensive work to turn around the business acquired in Sweden. Mäki has committed to remaining in the role until the end of May 2027, and thereafter as an advisor until the end of the year. The long transition period points to an amicable departure and mutual trust between the parties. From the perspective of advancing the growth strategy, however, it would likely be best to fill the position as soon as a suitable successor is found, as organizational momentum and renewal can slow during management transitions. The Board of Directors will begin the search for a new CEO immediately. The management change prompts no estimate changes.