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Hannu-Pekka Ikäheimo is the new CEO of the Timeout Foundation

Hannu-Pekka Ikäheimo, Doctor of Social Sciences, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Timeout Foundation. He joins the Foundation from Sitra, where he has served as Programme Director of the Democratic Innovations programme. Ikäheimo will take up his position on 1 January 2027 and will lead the Foundation as it strengthens and broadens its work to advance democratic participation.

Ikäheimo brings more than 15 years of experience in democracy and societal development to the Timeout Foundation. At Sitra, he has worked with his team to develop innovations in citizen participation aimed at strengthening people’s capacity to participate in decision-making and building societal trust. His work has involved close collaboration with, among others, central government, wellbeing services counties, municipalities and universities.

I am very excited to take on this role. The Timeout Foundation’s work to strengthen a culture of constructive dialogue is exceptionally important at this moment. I am particularly inspired by the opportunity to broaden the Foundation’s work to advance democratic participation, bringing people together and strengthening their belief in their ability to shape their own lives and our shared future”, says Hannu-Pekka Ikäheimo

In the coming years, the Timeout Foundation will strengthen and broaden its role in advancing democratic participation. As part of its new strategy, the Foundation will complement the Timeout method with other participatory methods. The aim is to strengthen societal trust and dialogue, prevent polarisation, and promote people’s opportunities to participate in societal decision-making and democracy.

Ikäheimo brings extensive experience in democracy, citizen participation and societal innovation to the Foundation’s work. His expertise supports the Foundation’s goal of broadening its democracy work and finding new ways to strengthen participation and societal trust.

We are delighted to have Hannu-Pekka Ikäheimo lead the Foundation in implementing its new ambitious strategy. At the heart of the strategy is a broader role in advancing democracy in Finnish society. Hannu-Pekka is one of Finland’s leading experts on democracy, participation and societal development. We are delighted to welcome him to the Foundation and wish him all the best in his new role,” says Birgitta Forsström, Member of the Board of the Timeout Foundation and CEO of the foundation Brita Maria Renlunds minne sr

Ikäheimo will be the second CEO of the Timeout Foundation. The Foundation’s first CEO, Laura Arikka, moved to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in October. Jonna Similä, Programme Manager at the Timeout Foundation, will serve as Acting CEO until the new CEO takes up his position.

 

Timeout Foundation

The Timeout Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in 2019. Its aim is to strengthen constructive dialogue and democratic participation in Finland.

We develop and promote the Timeout method, provide training and facilitate dialogues, and support a wide range of actors in strengthening constructive dialogue.

The founders and funders of the Timeout Foundation are the The foundation Brita Maria Renlunds minne sr., Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Sitra, Finnish Cultural Foundation and The Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland.

 

More information:

Birgitta Forsström

044 762 3900

 

Hannu-Pekka Ikäheimo

050 378 5205

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