Wärtsilä embarks on digital transformation, names dedicated team

Finnish technology group and engine manufacturer, Wärtsilä, said it is currently implementing a digital transformation to strengthen its position in the smart marine and smart energy ecosystems.

Following the appointment of chief digital officer (CDO) and executive vice-president Marco Ryan in September 2016, Wärtsilä has taken several actions to speed up the developments achieved during the last decade.

According to the company’s statement, the focus is on future technology, notably the use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, open platforms, block chain and cyber security, as well as on creating new business models.

To accelerate this digital transformation, Wärtsilä has made new appointments and has established a new digital organization.

Selina Heiska has been appointed as vice president, digital transformation and is responsible for leading the culture change program and transformation communications teams. She joins Wärtsilä from Capgemini, where her title was director, digital.

Mikko Tepponen has been appointed as vice president, digital portfolio management. He is responsible for Wärtsilä’s digital service portfolio and its development. Previously Tepponen led the Wärtsilä Services’ digitalisation team.

Toby White has been appointed as vice president, digital engineering as of June 12, and in this role he leads software engineering, emerging technologies and asset management. He joins Wärtsilä from GlobalData where he has acted as group chief technology officer.

Focusing on cyber security, Wärtsilä named Andrew Ross as director, cyber assurance, and Kim Eklund as director, cyber-as-a-service.

Andrea Morgante has been appointed head of digital in marine solutions, and Saku Mäihäniemi as head of digital in services as of June 1.

The entire digital management deal will be lead by Marco Ryan, the company’s statement reads.