"Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of leading this great organisation together with an outstanding team through an eventful and rewarding period. During these years, we have strengthened growth across S Group, advanced major business digitalisation initiatives, and improved customer experience. Now is the right time for a leadership transition," says Hannu Krook.

"During Hannu's tenure, our group has achieved significant growth milestones. Our grocery retail outperformed the market for four consecutive years, growing faster than the market every month, and S-Bank has reached an entirely new scale through two major acquisitions. Through Hannu's approachable leadership style and people-oriented mindset, he has achieved a great deal and has shaped our culture and the way we work together," says Timo Santavuo, Chair of the Supervisory Board of SOK.

According to Santavuo, who chaired the Nomination Committee, the selection of the successor was a straightforward process.

"Arttu Laine is known both within the group and among our partners as a dependable and calm leader who is highly goal-oriented. He brings extensive experience in leading businesses, networks, and collaboration. In the current operating environment, we consider these qualities particularly important for the CEO," Santavuo says.

Arttu Laine, 56, has served as COO and Deputy CEO of SOK since 2014. In his current role, he is responsible for S Group's retail business, fuels retail and service stations, as well as travel and hospitality business operations.

Earlier in his career, Laine served as Managing Director of KPO Cooperative Society and as SOK's Country Director in the Baltics. Well-connected both in Finland and internationally, he currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Nordic sourcing company Coop Trading and as the Chair of the Board of Directors of NEOT Oy, the fuel procurement company jointly owned by SOK and St1.

"I would like to thank the regional cooperatives for their strong confidence in me. Collaboration, courage, and a willingness to renew our businesses are my guiding principles. Our focus is firmly on the future. In line with S Group Strategy, we must continue to strengthen our relationship with our co-op members, further accelerate our digital transformation and build a successful cooperative business model towards the 2030s," Arttu Laine says.

The leadership transition will take place on 1st January 2027. Until then, both Hannu Krook and Arttu Laine will continue in their current roles.