Aki Ojanen Appointed Aspo's Chief Operating Officer

Aki Ojanen has been appointed Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of Aspo Plc, starting October 1, 2007. He will be responsible for developing the group's business operations and expanding them into growing markets. Ojanen will report to CEO Gustav Nyberg.

Ojanen joins Aspo from Itella Corporation, where he served as Director of contract logistics operations and CEO of Itella Logistics since 2005. Prior to that, he held various positions at Kuusakoski Oy, including CEO from 2003 to 2005.

CEO Gustav Nyberg stated that Aspo's strong growth in neighboring Eastern markets has demonstrated significant potential, particularly in Russia for the Chemicals and Systems divisions. Goods flow in Russia has also increased notably for the Shipping operations.

Nyberg added that Ojanen's extensive experience in logistics services and his familiarity with the Baltic Sea and CIS markets will strengthen Aspo Group's expertise as desired. In 2006, Aspo Group's net sales were EUR 225.9 million, with Aspo Chemicals accounting for 39%, Aspo Shipping for 37%, and Aspo Systems for 24%.