Veikkaus, Finland’s gambling monopoly, has enhanced its team with the addition of Jyri Lassi as general counsel. The appointee, who boasts executive experience at the intersection of law, technology, and strategy, will support the company’s business as Finland shifts from a gambling monopoly to a license-based framework.
Veikkaus Enhances Team as Market Liberalization Looms
Lassi, 54, will join Veikkaus as general counsel and member of the company’s management team. In this position, Lassi will replace Hanna Kyrki who is set to exit the company at the end of July to pursue other opportunities at Summa Defence.
Lassi, who joins Veikkaus from electric vehicle charging platform Virta Global, will come into the office on September 1. During his time at Virta Global, Lassi served as the service’s chief legal officer, further highlighting his profound legal experience.
Prior to that, he had a stint as general counsel of Varjo, a company that seeks to “revolutionize reality” with cutting-edge hardware and software. His earlier experiences include four years at PayPal where he served as vice president of legal and chief IP officer, and was responsible for legal support for the payments provider’s global business development, strategic partnerships and new venture activities.
Earlier still, Lassi spent over eight years at Nokia, serving the tech business in a variety of roles.
Lassi Joins at an Important Period for the Company
Thanks to Lassi’s rich executive experience, Veikkaus believes that he is a perfect fit for the position. His appointment comes amid the company’s efforts to modernize its business ahead of the liberalization of the Finnish market.
Olli Sarekoski, Veikkaus’ chief executive officer, welcomed Lassi on board, hailing his diverse experience in a variety of legal positions at a number of international businesses. Sarekoski expressed utmost confidence that Lassi’s robust expertise will help Veikkaus move forward “in a determined and controlled manner,” allowing it to adapt to the significant changes in Finland’s gaming industry.
Lassi was likewise thrilled about the opportunity to join Veikkaus at a very important time for the gambling company. He commented on the looming dissolution of Veikkaus’ monopoly position, calling it a very interesting situation.
However, Lassi was optimistic about the future of Veikkaus, saying that the competitive situation would offer the company plenty of great opportunities to grow, develop and potentially become an international gaming company.
It is a privilege to soon be part of that journey and to be able to influence Veikkaus’ new direction together with other employees of the company.
Jyri Lassi, general counsel appointee, Veikkaus
Lassi’s appointment comes two months after the company re-elected Kaisa Olkkonen as chair of the board of directors and appointed two new directors.
Veikkaus Unveils OpenBet-Powered Betting Platform
In line with its modernization efforts, Veikkaus just unveiled a new and modern OpenBet-powered sports betting platform that would allow it to remain competitive once the liberalization of the local market becomes a fact.
Underpinned by the supplier’s cutting-edge technology, the new platform will allow Veikkaus to manage much larger volumes of sports betting while still remaining compliant.