In addition to her communications role, Anne contributes to the development of the energy sector through her work in Finnish Energy’s Communications Committee. In this interview, she talks about her career, her work at Ilmatar, and what an energy sector communications professional can learn through collaboration with other industry players.
1. What is your role at Ilmatar?
I have worked as Ilmatar’s Communications Manager for almost three years. In addition to brand-related work, I am responsible for the company’s internal and external communications on both an operational and strategic level. My role also includes sustainability communications in close collaboration with other experts across the organization.
One of the biggest annual projects on my desk is the Sustainability Report, which brings together the key themes, targets, and results of Ilmatar’s sustainability work. As a result, my role is highly diverse and rewarding.
The most rewarding aspect of my work is the opportunity to collaborate with almost everyone at Ilmatar. At the same time, I am constantly learning something new. One day the topic may be electricity markets, the next wind turbine technology, sustainability, or energy policy.
The energy sector is also a challenging and continuously evolving industry. Gigawatts and megawatt-hours are becoming fairly familiar territory, but there is still plenty to learn. And that is exactly how it should be.
2. Tell us briefly about your career before joining Ilmatar.
Communications is a wonderful field because it can be practiced in virtually any industry while satisfying an endless curiosity for new things.
Throughout my career, I have worked in investor relations for a publicly listed company, with a technology brand, in marketing for an educational organization, and in communications roles at a consulting firm.
For some reason, the energy sector has interested me for a long time. It is rewarding to work in an industry that is actively building a cleaner future and helping to transform society. Renewable energy is a pioneering sector in many ways, and it is a privilege to be part of that journey.
3. Tell us a little about your educational background.
I hold a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration with a major in Marketing. My studies focused on corporate communications, which provided a strong foundation for a career in communications and marketing.
4. How do you enjoy working at Ilmatar? What is the best thing about being part of the team?
I enjoy it very much.
We have incredibly kind and talented people working here who are driven to develop our operations and move things forward. I also appreciate the genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.
People are approachable, and help is always available when needed. Hopefully, the same applies to me and people feel comfortable coming to talk to me as well.
5. You are involved in industry committee work. Tell us a little about it.
I was delighted to be selected to the Finnish Energy Communications Committee this spring.
The committee brings together communications professionals from various energy companies. We discuss current topics affecting the industry and how to communicate them as clearly and effectively as possible.
The committee also serves as an important link between Finnish Energy and its member companies. We exchange views on industry developments, provide feedback and ideas for Finnish Energy’s communications, and bring practical experiences from the day-to-day operations of energy companies into the discussion.
The goal is to strengthen the visibility, understanding, and attractiveness of the entire energy sector.
It is a privilege to collaborate with some of the most experienced and skilled communications professionals in the industry. At the same time, I learn a great deal about what is happening across the sector and which messages resonate most with different stakeholder groups.
6. What has been the most interesting lesson or insight you have gained through committee work?
Working in a company focused exclusively on renewable energy, it has been particularly valuable to hear perspectives from professionals working with other forms of energy.
Even within the same industry, companies may have very different starting points, business models, and communication needs. Committee work provides an opportunity to exchange experiences, spar ideas, and learn how others approach the everyday challenges of communications.
7. What has been the most valuable lesson of your career or a particularly memorable moment?
Over the years, I have picked up many practices and ideas from different industries and organizations that I have been able to apply in later roles. I have always tried to “borrow and improve” good practices along the way.
One of the most important lessons of my career is that communications is about much more than creating and publishing content. The better you understand the business, the people, and the operating environment, the better you can support both the organization and your colleagues in their work. In my view, communications is very much a team sport.
A particularly memorable moment may still be ahead of me. Although I have been working in renewable energy for almost three years, I have not yet had the opportunity to visit the top of a wind turbine. Consider this a friendly message to my colleagues in the TCM team!
8. What is something people may not know about you?
My very first summer job was as a substitute cleaner in Valio’s small products warehouse in Seinäjoki. The shifts ran from five in the morning until one in the afternoon. Since it was a cold-storage facility, winter clothing was required even in summer.
I liked the job because the results of your work were immediate and visible.
On the personal side, I have done a bungee jump and cave diving. My own team already knows this, of course. They were great experiences, but I have no intention of doing either of them ever again.
