We are LAB School of Business
Our Story
What guides our work and shapes the future of LAB? Explore our story, mission, and vision.
Campuses
Lahti campus
Lahti campus is a modern learning environment built in a renovated industrial property in Lahti.
Lappeenranta campus
In Lappeenranta, you study on the shared campus of LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University, the largest higher education campus in Southeast Finland.
Interested in LAB as a workplace?
Explore our open positions and join us in building an impactful future.
Management Team of LAB School of Business
Nora Ahtola, Dean
Goal-oriented, enthusiastic and multilingual generalist. I value genuine dialogue and collaborative, goal-driven leadership that gives space for managerial work. I believe a leader’s most important task is to enable their team to succeed and remove obstacles standing in the way of success. I prefer to see opportunities rather than threats and enjoy succeeding together as well as learning from failures. I hold a Master’s degree in Food Economics and have also worked as an entrepreneur for over 20 years.
Pasi Juvonen, RDI Director
I am responsible for the research groups and I act as the supervisor of the leading experts. My LAB-level responsibilities include IPR matters, support for R2B and other Business Finland preparations, and I am also active in publishing and in fostering collaboration with companies. I hold a D.Sc. Tech., a M.Sc. (Tech.) Bachelor of BA, and a vocational teacher qualification.
Vesa Alatalo, Development Manager
I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and is an engineer and vocational teacher. My work focuses on developing collaboration between the LAB School of Business, companies and key stakeholders by building impactful cooperation models between higher education and businesses while supporting innovation development. I have a strong background in international business, operational management and demanding leadership roles.
Elina Humala, RDI Manager
I am inspired by developing and refining new ideas into impactful RDI projects together with our experts and partners. I enjoy working at the intersection of strategy, funding expertise and practical implementation. I believe in collaboration and open dialogue. In my work, it is important to me to support others in succeeding—by sparring, clarifying ideas and helping to turn them into fundable and implementable project concepts.
Ulla Kotonen, RDI Manager, the deputy to the Dean
I am responsible for the operational management of RDI activities, especially the unit’s ongoing project portfolio. I hold a Doctor of Science (Economics and Business Administration) degree, is a qualified professional teacher, and bring over 20 years of experience in RDI leadership and development within higher education and regional innovation ecosystems. My research has focused on corporate social responsibility and sustainability reporting, competence management, and regional development.
Pirjo Haverinen, Degree Manager
M.Sc., Vocational Teacher, Team Leader. Background includes over 10 years of experience in supervisory roles and competence management, more than 10 years as a senior lecturer at a University of Applied Sciences, over 15 years of experience in marketing roles in the private sector, and more than 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship.
Nina Haukemaa, Degree Manager
My approach is people oriented. I observe the environment based on measurable facts and keen perception. I am able to see the big picture and discover new opportunities by combining different elements. My goal is to create an open and encouraging work atmosphere, where everyone’s skills are recognized and responsibility and freedom are balanced.
Miika Kuusisto, Degree Manager
I’m responsible for International Business programmes. I have over 15 years of experience in the higher education sector, currently my work focuses on educational development, competence management, and building meaningful international partnerships. I hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Entrepreneurship), a Bachelor’s degree in International Business, and a vocational teacher qualification.
Petra Yli-Kovero, Degree Manager
I am responsible for the education of Bachelor’s degree students in Business Information Systems, as well as the school’s Master’s (YAMK) programmes. I have extensive experience in the higher education sector, having worked f.ex. as a lecturer teaching business IT related topics and service/product development. By education, I hold a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration (majoring in Knowledge Management) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (specialising in entrepreneurship).
This is Finland
Finland offers a unique combination of high-quality education, innovation, sustainability, and wellbeing. Explore why Finland is an inspiring place to study and grow.
Stories of LAB School of Business
Read stories about learning, growth, and success. Students, alumni, company representatives, and experts share their experiences and journeys with us towards new opportunities.