New transport sector directors at Transport and Communications Agency Traficom

On 1 October 2024 Sanna Sonninen, will start as Traficom's Director of Maritime, Jari Pöntinen as Director of Aviation and Heidi Niemimuukko as Director of Ground Transport. 

“Our new transport sector directors will be responsible for the strategic and effective management and development of their respective entities. They will be active social debaters, raising issues related to their sector in the public debate and bringing together the stakeholders,” says Director-General Jarkko Saarimäki. 

Sanna Sonninen, who has been appointed Director of Maritime, joins Traficom from her position as Pilotage Director at Finnpilot Pilotage Oy. Her previous work experience includes Traficom's predecessor agency, the Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi), and the Finnish Maritime Administration. Sonninen has a master’s degree in engineering and is a sea captain. She is currently pursuing a PhD in maritime studies. Sonninen will join the agency on 1 September 2024. 

In her new role as Director of Land Transport, Heidi Niemimuukko will be responsible for rail transport and road infrastructure as a whole. Niemimuukko joins Traficom from her role as Safety Director of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency. Her previous experience includes management and supervisory positions at Traficom and its predecessor, the Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi). She has a master's degree in engineering. Niemimuukko joined Traficom on 19 August 2024.

Jari Pöntinen, who has been appointed Director of Aviation, moves over from his role as Director responsible for civil aviation at Traficom. He has worked in public administration at Traficom and its predecessor Trafi, mainly in aviation-related positions. Pöntinen also has previous work experience in airlines, both as an airline transport pilot and in various management and expert roles. He has a master’s degree in engineering and is an airline transport pilot by training. 

The Traficom organisation will be reformed on 1 October 2024. The aim of the reform is to streamline the organisation, both in terms of management and sectors. This will enable us to better serve our customers and improve the efficiency of our operations.