Imagine staying with a company for over 30 years and still waking up excited about your work. That’s the story of Robert Selänniemi at Wärtsilä. Robert has been a strong figure at Wärtsilä for nearly three decades, navigating the company through a rapidly evolving industry landscape. This article explores Robert’s remarkable 30-year career at Wärtsilä, offering insights into the industry’s past, present, and future through the eyes of a seasoned professional.
Robert Selänniemi is currently the Sales Director for Special Projects at Wärtsilä Energy. Robert’s career at Wärtsilä began in 1994. Except for an eight-year stint in Mexico and Central America, where he worked in a similar role, Robert has been a strong presence at Wärtsilä Energy, consistently delivering exceptional results.
When Robert stepped into Wärtsilä in the mid-’90s, things were quite different. Picture a smaller organisation with a tight-knit atmosphere where everyone knew each other. This sense of community and collaboration powered the company forward as they tackled challenges together. Throughout his career, Robert has consistently highlighted the importance of building a strong network, and his knack for connecting with colleagues, clients, and partners remains a key to his success.
The 1990s also saw the Independent Power Producer (IPP) business gain traction. These larger projects, characterised by project financing, were attractive to investors and provided a significant competitive edge for Wärtsilä. The company’s ability to execute and operate these projects sets it apart from the competition, establishing a solid foundation for growth and success.
One of the defining aspects of Robert’s career has been his ability to adapt to changing environments. Over the years, Wärtsilä has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to evolve, staying ahead of industry trends and meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world. Robert has been a key player in this evolution, guiding the company through periods of uncertainty and growth.
Looking to the future, Robert believes that environmental issues will continue to shape the energy industry. He sees Wärtsilä leading the charge towards highly renewable energy systems and flexible solutions for balancing the grid. With optimism and a keen eye for opportunity, Robert sees a future where renewable energy solutions are the norm, and Wärtsilä is paving the way for this clean energy future.
