Sakari Välimaa, the long-standing managing director of KooKoo Hockey Oy, has announced he will step down from his position at the end of 2026.
The decision marks the conclusion of a tenure that saw the club solidify its position in Liiga.
Välimaa, who began as the executive director of Kouvolan Edustuskiekko ry in June 2011, stated that he intends to pursue a career outside of professional sports once his role concludes. The club’s board of directors has initiated a recruitment process to find a successor to maintain operational continuity.
The transition plan was developed by the board of directors in the early autumn following formal notification from Välimaa. According to the board, the goal is to maintain the club’s stability while allowing sufficient time for a new leader to integrate into the organization and participate in future planning.
“Sakari has had an exceptionally long and significant career at KooKoo,” said Pulla Peltola, chairman of the board. “His commitment, vision, and work have played a key role in the club’s development over the last 15 years.”
Välimaa emphasized that his departure is not the result of conflicts or disagreements. Instead, he described it as a choice to allow for fresh perspectives. “Over 15 seasons in this role is a very long time,” Välimaa said. “I have seen 56 colleagues in Liiga and Liiga clubs over the years and have been able to lead a club dear to me for a quarter of its entire history.”
During Välimaa’s leadership, KooKoo evolved into a recognized and stable entity within the Finnish ice hockey business. The board credited him with consistently following the organization’s strategic objectives and budget goals.
“Sakari has acted consistently in accordance with the board’s guidelines, strategy, and set goals,” Peltola noted. “His work has been responsible, committed, and served the club’s interests in all situations.”
Välimaa reflected on his career, noting that he decided during the summer that his 25-year journey in professional sports business would end. “I feel that at this stage of the club’s development, it is good to open space for new perspectives, new energy, and a new voice to take the operations forward,” he stated.
The recruitment process for the new managing director is currently underway. While Välimaa remains committed to supporting the transition process as needed, he has confirmed he will not be involved in the selection of his successor. He expressed a desire to step away from the public eye regarding club matters to allow the incoming leader full autonomy.
“It is important that the future managing director gets to build their own role and lead the club in their own way,” Välimaa said. “That is why I am stepping aside from the position in public as well and will, in the future, give the floor to those to whom the responsibility for leading the club belongs.”
The club continues to operate under its current strategy and financial framework as the search for a new executive progresses. The leadership change is set to be finalized by the end of 2026.
