I believe in giving people space to grow and take responsibility. Learning often comes from taking chances and not by playing it safe.
“You don’t need to know everything,” says Ville Konsti, Senior Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain at Lindström, “but you should always give your best.”
Ville’s path to Lindström has been guided by curiosity and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone. He holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering and later completed a second degree in economics. “I was good at maths and physics, so engineering was a natural choice. But I was always more interested in the bigger picture and how operations work as a whole.”
He began his career in the paper and packaging industry, taking on quality management roles before moving into consulting. But the consulting world wasn’t enough.
I realised I didn’t want to just create presentations. I wanted to be hands-on, where I could see things get done and my analysis turned into practice.
That realisation took him to KONE, the elevator and escalator company, where he spent eleven years in a variety of leadership roles, for example in project management, quality, and manufacturing. His time there also included international assignments – three years in China and four years in the United States – giving him a strong global outlook.
After KONE, he joined Fazer to lead chocolate, biscuit and crisp production. “That’s the role my kids remember best,” he laughs. “They still ask me why I would ever leave chocolate behind.”
The answer lies in his move to Lindström in early 2024. He began as Vice President, focusing on technology, operations concepts and investments. In August 2025, Ville will start as the Senior Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain, with responsibilities extending to procurement and supply chain, operational excellence, QEHS and compliance.
What motivated Ville when joining Lindström was the opportunity to contribute to something bigger. “I’d never worked in a service business before. That was part of the appeal, as it was something completely new,” he explains. Another thing that really resonated with me was Lindström’s sustainability agenda. I want to leave the world better than we found it. Here, I felt I could make a real contribution.” That contribution is already taking shape through initiatives like Net Zero Laundry. It is a long-term programme aimed at cutting emissions across Lindström’s laundry operations, with the goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
Furthermore, what impressed him as he got to know the company even more was the culture.
There’s very little hierarchy. People are helpful, positive and eager to improve. Even with our long history, we’re not stuck in old ways. The mindset is: let’s develop, let’s learn, and let’s be better tomorrow.
As a leader, Ville places strong emphasis on positive encouragement, integrity and efficiency. “I believe in giving people space to grow and take responsibility. Learning often comes from taking chances and not by playing it safe. That doesn’t mean being sloppy. But it does mean being open to doing things differently and making bold decisions.” For him, having fun at work is also essential. “You’ve got to enjoy what you do. It’s easier to face difficulties when the atmosphere is good and you feel the connection between people.”
Outside of work, Ville stays active through sports and outdoor adventures. He enjoys playing ice hockey, heading out for hikes, and occasionally goes scuba diving when on holiday. These activities help him recharge and keep a clear mind. At home, he’s also taken on a different kind of role, which is that of a dedicated dance dad to his daughters. “My ballet hands don’t get any appreciation at home,” he laughs, “but I’m always there to cheer them on.”
