Erja Yläjärvi, 46, has been appointed Senior Editor-in-Chief of Helsingin Sanomat, the largest daily newspaper in the Nordics. At the moment, Yläjärvi works as the Senior Editor-in-Chief of Hufvudstadsbladet, the largest Swedish language newspaper in Finland. Earlier, she has worked as the Senior Editor-in-Chief of the tabloid Iltalehti, and in 2013−2018 as Editorial Manager of Helsingin Sanomat.
”Erja Yläjärvi convinced us with her journalistic views and leadership experience. We went through a thorough recruitment process, and I am delighted that we found the best possible person for this role that is relevant for the entire Finnish media. Many at Sanoma know Erja and we are delighted to welcome her back,” says Pekka Ala-Pietilä, Chair of Sanoma’s Board of Directors.
Erja Yläjärvi will start in her position on 4 September 2023. Antero Mukka will continue as the acting responsible Editor-in-Chief of Helsingin Sanomat until then. Antero Mukka and Laura Saarikoski will continue as Editors-in-Chief of Helsingin Sanomat.
”I find returning to Helsingin Sanomat inspirational and meaningful. A lot has changed during the past years and the future looks very different than five years ago. Need for reliable information in a rapidly changing world is immense, and the role of high-quality journalism in responding to that more and more important. I am looking forward to starting in my role,” says Erja Yläjärvi.