Date and place of birth: 1949, Helsinki

Family relations: married, three children (born 1976, 1978 and 1980)

Education: - M.Sc. (Plant Science), 1973, University of Helsinki- B.Sc. (Business Economics), 1975, Helsinki School of Economics- Lic.Sc (Marketing), 1988, University of Helsinki

Professional career: Research Institute of the Pellervo Society- Researcher 1973-75- Director of Accountancy 1976-83- Research Director 1984-85

Central Organisation of Agricultural Producers - Head of Department (Research) 1985-91- Director (Trade Policy) 1991-94

Administration of Foreign Affairs- Commercial Counsellor 1994-95

-Finland's Permanent Representation to the EU, Brussels, Special Adviser 1999-2000

Prime Minister's Office

- Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry 1995-1996

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry- Ministerial Adviser 1996-99- Deputy Director-General, Department of Agriculture 2000 -

- Permanent Secretary (fixed term) 2000 - 2002- Permanent Secretary 2002 - 2007 (5 years)