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Anora names new CEO
Helsinki-based spirits company Anora Group has appointed Kirsi Puntila as its new CEO, effective immediately.
The company’s board of directors made the appointment on 4 March 2025.
Michael Holm Johansen, chairperson of Anora’s board of directors, said: “First, we would like to thank Jacek Pastuszka, who is retiring from the position of CEO, for successfully leading Anora through a difficult time. We wish him all the best in his retirement. At the same time, we are delighted about the opportunity to offer top talent in our organisation new career opportunities.
“Kirsi Puntila is an experienced executive in the beverage industry and a well-respected leader at Anora. Having worked closely with Jacek over the past year, Kirsi will ensure continuity in our short-term priorities on improving profitability and the balance sheet.
“Her extensive knowledge of Anora’s business is a clear asset for us, putting her in an excellent position to lead Anora towards its mid-term strategy update and, ultimately, towards our 2030 strategic goals.”
Puntila has worked with Anora and its predecessor since 2014, with her most recent position as senior vice president of spirits.
Previously, Puntila served as the spirits category director of Altia and as the marketing director of Altia Brands, during which time she was based in Stockholm.
She has also served in various international roles at Pernod Ricard companies, including as the global marketing manager for Absolut flavoured vodkas and Kahlúa coffee liqueur, based in Stockholm and London.
Puntila commented: “I am honoured and excited to lead Anora on the next phase of its journey towards its strategic goals. Our product portfolio consists of the greatest Nordic wine and spirits brands, the bedrock of our future success, while also being a preferred choice for many renowned international partner brands in the Nordics and the Baltics.
“I look forward to working with the Anora team of dedicated professionals in my new role to strengthen Anora’s position as a wine and spirits powerhouse in the Nordic region with a continued focus on sustainability. I would like to thank the board of directors for their trust and this opportunity.”
In addition to her new role, Puntila will continue leading the spirits segment until her successor is nominated.
Last month, Anora Group reported an overall decline of 4.7% in net sales in 2024, as its spirits segment dropped by 4.2%.
The news comes after the company reported an 8.1% decline in spirits sales for the third quarter of 2024.
To grow the company’s position in the Baltics, Anora created a dedicated commercial branch in Lithuania in November last year.
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