Elina Juntunen appointed as the Deaconess Foundation’s new CEO

The Board of the Deaconess Foundation has appointed Elina Juntunen (b. 1980, Doctor of Theology, Master of Political Science) as CEO of the Foundation, effective 1 August 2025, following the retirement of current CEO Olli Holmström.

Doctor of Theology, Master of Political Science Elina Juntunen. Photo: Diaconia University of Applied Sciences.

Olli Holmström, who has been the Foundation’s CEO since 2012, will continue in his role until 31 July 2025. He will then work alongside Elina Juntunen until the end of August, before retiring on 1 September 2025. This month of joint work aims to ensure a thorough familiarisation with the Foundation and its operations and a successful transfer of responsibilities to the new CEO.

Elina Juntunen currently serves as the CEO and President  of Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. Before this, she held positions including Head of Education at Ava Academy, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki, and various expert roles at the Church Council.

“The Board initiated succession planning well in advance of Olli Holmström’s retirement. During the selection process, we carefully considered the challenges arising from the Foundation’s mission and strategy, as well as the profile required for the new CEO. We believe that Elina Juntunen’s experience and expertise fit well with the mission and goals of the Deaconess Foundation. Elina has a broad understanding of both diaconal work and business and human resource management. We warmly welcome Elina to the Deaconess Foundation,” says Laura Raitio, Chair of the Foundation’s Board.

“On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Olli Holmström for his excellent work at the Deaconess Foundation. During his tenure as CEO, both the business activities that support the Foundation’s mission and our non-profit diaconal work have grown significantly. This development has secured the Foundation’s operations well into the future and provides a strong basis for the new CEO to start his role,” Raitio continues.

“I am delighted to start my role as CEO in August. I am grateful for the trust placed in me through this appointment. Deaconess Foundation’s values, mission and dedicated staff provide excellent conditions to continue meaningful work for a more humane world,” says Elina Juntunen.

“I am grateful for all the years I have been able to work in this wonderful community, in the best job in the world, as I often say. I will continue with an ‘all in’ attitude until the end. I am happy to pass the baton to Elina, with whom we have worked together for many years during her time at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences,” says Olli Holmström.

Further information and interview requests:

Laura Niemi, Director of Communications and Sustainability, laura.niemi@hdl.fi, 050 3738602