Directors of the Board

Marika Arovuo

Marika Arovuo

President of the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

Founder and CEO of GRIT Online Inc.

Marika's profile

Marika helps businesses grow through designing elegant digital experiences that generate leads, convert clients, and encourage ongoing transactions.

For Marika nothing is more satisfying than working together with entrepreneurs to plan and execute custom digital marketing strategies that propel their businesses to a higher level. She has a holistic approach that aligns both the business and digital marketing aspects for success. She loves to see clients reach their goals, and feel proud of their achievements.

She lives by the values that her company name, “GRIT Online” was formed around:

  • Growth mindset
  • Resourcefulness
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork

Marika is a driven international business owner who has lived in multiple of locations around the world and operated successful businesses in three continents over the past 17 years. She has been serving in the CFCC board as a member, Vice President, and President since 2017. She was awarded an Honoree in Business category in Halton Newcomers Strategy program for her contributions towards the local community. She is an Honorary Member of Finnish Association and a Mentor of multiple business and networking organizations around the world. She holds BSc in Computer Science and is a Certified Digital Marketer by HubSpot and Hootsuite University.

Marco Beretta

Marco Beretta

President

Pelto Agri Inc.

Marco's profile

While completing a bachelor of commerce, Marco began his career in the investment banking sector, specifically structuring and closing private and public financings. After several years, Marco decided to join the family commercial real estate business. Here he brought his expertise to begin a new division of the company, Pelto Agri where he currently resides as President.  Pelto Agri specializes in increasing farmland value through development and strategic farming strategies, with their newest venture being in the fresh fruit sector.

With his vast experience in fund raising and management, Marco is excited to serve another term with the CFCC.

Jacques S. Darche

Jacques S. Darche

Lawyer - Partner

Prelia Canada LLP

Jacques' profile

As a multi-faceted litigator who strives for the best results for the parties I represent, I am regularly retained by various clients facing complex problems. I have extensive knowledge of and experience with the workings of Québec’s civil courts, as well as the rules of various international commercial arbitral institutions.

Frans Haahti

Frans Haahti

Brand Advocate Analyst

Home Depot

Frans' profile

Frans Haahti is a marketing and business development professional with experience in account management, e-commerce, and driving business growth. He holds a Master of Science in Marketing and has developed expertise in managing strategic customer relationships and executing growth initiatives across both retail and digital channels. Having lived and worked in both countries, Frans brings a valuable cross-cultural perspective and is passionate about building connections and creating opportunities between Canada and Finland.

Sabina Hirsbrunner

Sabina Hirsbrunner

Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Homeward Brokerage

Sabina's profile

Hi, I’m Sabina, a passionate and dedicated Realtor, here to guide you through one of life’s most meaningful decisions – finding the perfect place to call home. I know firsthand how where you live shapes your life and future, and I’m committed to helping you make choices that feel right for you and your family.

Real estate isn’t just my career; it’s part of my story. My late mother was a highly regarded Realtor in Toronto’s Finnish community, and her dedication to her clients left a lasting impression on me. Inspired by her legacy, I strive to bring the same care, expertise, and personal connection to every client I work with.

Before becoming a Realtor, I built a strong foundation in property management, specializing in rentals and navigating the complexities of the Landlord and Tenant Board. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the priorities of both landlords and tenants, giving me a unique perspective in the market. Additionally, my background as a teacher sharpened my communication skills, patience, and ability to educate – qualities I bring to every step of the real estate journey.
I’ve also been fortunate to explore the world, embracing diverse cultures and lifestyles. As an avid skier and snowboarder, I have a special appreciation for properties that offer lifestyle-enhancing features, like proximity to the mountains or the great outdoors. Fluent in French and Finnish, conversant in German, and learning Spanish, I love connecting with people from all walks of life and building relationships in Toronto’s vibrant multicultural community.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me volunteering with the Finnish community, hitting the slopes, or diving into a new language or culture. Lifelong learning and giving back are values I hold close, and I carry those principles into my work, always striving to provide personalized attention and unwavering dedication to my clients.

If you’re looking for a partner to make your real estate journey seamless, rewarding, and even a little fun, let’s connect! I’d be honored to help you find a home that perfectly reflects your lifestyle and aspirations.

Miikka Huomo

Miikka Huomo

Presales Consultant

Nokia

Miikka's profile

Miikka moved to Canada from Finland early 2011. He was born, raised, and educated in Finland. He holds M.Sc. in telecommunications and has been working most of his professional career in Telco sector Nokia where last +12 years in Canada as Pre-Sales Consultant for Canadian operators. Beyond telecom he is interested in clean energy, technology, and science.

Auli Rasanen

Auli Rasanen

Treasurer of the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

Entrepreneur; experienced and skilled Business Operations Manager at FINNCOPERA

Auli's profile

Auli has a passion for finance and international business & trade. She has worked for small, mid, and large size organizations in B2B and B2C – field. Her international work experience comes from England (UK), Germany, Nordic Countries (EU) and Canada. She is experienced in collaborating with stakeholders at all levels of an organization across borders including auditors, authorities, customers, and suppliers.

Auli spent her first career in (international) pharmaceutical business. She has served on boards of Finnish Language School both in Munich & Toronto as well as Canadian Friends of Finland Education Foundation in Toronto. Her 7+ years’ of experience in financial business comes mainly from international banking business.

Auli is a strategic thinker who has a strong desire to learn new skills and grow continuously. She is also eager to learn about different businesses and industries. Auli believes in teamwork: a group of people who share their skills & strengths, and work together, can achieve bigger goals than anyone could on their own. Hence, she is excited to start to serve the CFCC and share her diverse (international) work experience with the current and new CFCC Board members.

Auli holds B.Sc. in Pharmacy, BBA in International Business and MBA.

Maarit Sandelin

Maarit Sandelin

Secretary of the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

Project and Product Lead at Innosta

Maarit's profile

I am an experienced product and program leader specializing in automation, robotics and AI. Like many Finns, my career began at Nokia and took me abroad to the United Kingdom where I spent several years working and received my MBA from Durham University.

After leaving Nokia I relocated to the Netherlands and joined Sony before having an opportunity to pivot into the world of industrial robotics.  This was followed by a venture into a deeptech startup focused on AI vision software, before having the opportunity to relocate to Canada.

As a board member I hope to foster connections between Finnish and Canadian technology sectors and support knowledge-sharing and collaboration between the two countries.

Mikael Silegren

Mikael Silegren

Vice President of the Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

Senior Director of Product Management at HRSoft

Mikael's profile
Mikael is a growth leader with over a decade of experience in product management, specializing in driving market expansion, creating go-to-market strategies, and fostering business growth. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Toronto and a Master’s in Business from Oulu University in Finland. His work experience in both countries provides him with a deep understanding of both the Canadian and Finnish cultures and business landscapes. Mikael brings a strategic global perspective to the Chamber, helping strengthen ties and drive growth between Canada and Finland.
Bawani Thayalan

Bawani Thayalan

General Manager

Finnish Credit Union Limited / Osuuspankki

Bawani's profile

Honorary Directors of the Board

Antero Elo

Antero Elo

President and CEO

Finnish Credit Union

Antero's profile

As President and Chief Executive Officer of The Credit Union, Antero specializes in conducting a full range of financial services and innovative products in a friendly, professional and personalized manner.

As part of a friendly knowledgeable professional team, Antero believes in providing reliable, efficient services to enhance the financial well-being of both company and members.

After graduating with a degree in mathematics and economics, Antero now has over 50 years of experience in the IT field.  Much of his time has been spent in business system design and business process improvement. After over a decade as the CFO of a large labour organization, he was appointed to his current position.  The IT and business consulting firm he founded in 1966 is now operated mainly by his sons with only overall direction and guidance from him.

Markku Kankaala

Markku Kankaala

Entrepreneur, Representative of Tecwill Ltd. in Canada

Markku's profile

For the past three years I have been the Sales Manager for Canada-USA market for Tecwill Oy/Ltd which is the world’s  leading concrete batch plant manufacturer based in Finland.

I have been working earlier in construction companies management in Canada for 15 year, for example Prof Tech and Rankine Construction. Prior coming to Canada I worked with large construction companies, like EKE Group, SRV International and MARC International, Eastern Europe top management.

I studied in Oulu University  Finland, Economics, Political Science, Political History and Sociology.

My hobbies have always been culture and sports. I have organized amd managed multiple of Canada Finnish/Nordic events during including TIFF, NXNE Music Festival, and CMW.

Tuula M.Kivinen-von Qvanten

Tuula M.Kivinen-von Qvanten

Honorary President

Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce

Tuula's profile

Tuula has Degrees in Textile Design and Hotel & Restaurant Management (Finland). She has done post-graduate work at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Tuula has been a Director of Canada Finland Chamber of Commerce Board since 2001. She held the position of President and Vice-President for a number of years and is now a Honorary President and lifetime member.

Tuula established  her very on company 1984 Tuula Flowers of the World and Tuula Kivinen Design LTD, she sold the company  in 2013.

In 2012, Tuula was the first female recipient of the Finnish Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Award for her involvement in the Finnish Community. Over the years, Tuula has been an active member on the following boards:

  • The Cornell Society of Hotelmen
  • European Union Chamber of Commerce Toronto
  • Club Managers Association
  • Scandinavian Businessmen Association
  • Finnish Expatriate Parliament.

Tuula has been involved in many fundraising committees including Canadian Opera Balls, The Duke of Edinburgh Challenge Gala Dinners, Justin Eve Gala Dinner, Brazilian Carnival Balls, ROM Foundation Gala Dinners, Festival of Festivals (now known as TIFF), Joseph Health Center Foundation Gala Dinners, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Team Canada World Culinary Olympic Compotation, Canadian Sports and Fame Foundation Gala Dinners, PC Foundation Fundraising Dinners, Finland’s Independence Day Gala Dinners and CFCC Golf Tournament Fundraising Events.

In her spare time, Tuula enjoys live theater, opera, classical music, art, cinema, aqua exercises, walking, good food & wine, and reading Finnish and international authors. Travel has been a passion for her, she has been fortunate to travel the globe on numerous occasions. A yearly visit to Finland is a must. She likes to see how Finland has changed and become one of the best places to live in the free world. A place that expats, like Tuula, are very proud of.

Our Combined Experience

Years of Business Experience

Countries Worked

Industries

Board Meetings

Contact Us

Subscribe to our mailing list and stay updated on our upcoming events and other important news

Address

191 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1K1

SenD us a message