Vesa Laisi

Axopar Boats Ltd, Axopar Holdings Ltd, and Ax Composites Ltd – Chair of the Board

edited_Board - Vesa Laisi-0X0A8753 kopio

Born: Jaala, 1957 

Education:

Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Helsinki School of Economics, 1990

Master of Science in Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, 1982

Areas of Expertise 

Leadership of companies, particularly growth companies in an international environment, process and strategic planning, management of product development, production, sales and marketing, corporate governance

Career

  • Professional Board Member, 2023–present

  • Business Unit Director, Danfoss Drives, 2015–2022

  • President and CEO, Vacon Plc, 2002–2015

Board and Advisory Roles

Chair of the Board, Kempower Plc, Member of the Board, Kalmar Ltd, Advisor and Member of the Board, Wirepas Ltd

”I bring to Axopar a solid background in leading international growth companies and a deep understanding of the entire manufacturing value chain from product development and production to sales and marketing. My long experience as a CEO has also made me a valuable sparring partner for fellow leaders.

My passion for boating began at the age of 12 in Vääksy, on the waters of Lake Päijänne and Lake Vesijärvi. I built my first Optimist dinghy myself during a technical crafts class at school. While I never sailed competitively, I was always drawn to speed — I loved the most those days when the wind was at its strongest. Today, I live in Helsinki but still spend most of my boating time on Lake Päijänne and enjoy trolling in the Archipelago Sea. I’m currently planning to purchase a cabin-equipped Axopar of just the right size.

My family includes my spouse and our son, who both share my love for life on the water.”

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