Vesa Hilakari, Senior Technical Expert in the Turbocharging and Performance (TCP) team within Wärtsilä's Global Technical Services, has built an impressive career. Based in Turku, Vesa's expertise centres on solving complex challenges related to the turbocharger systems on Wärtsilä's Large Bore engines.
His role spans various technical responsibilities, from scavenging systems and turbocharger compressors to exhaust systems and turbines. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and end customers, Vesa has become an invaluable figure in ensuring the reliability and innovation of Wärtsilä's solutions.
Vesa's career at Wärtsilä began on 15 September 1980, when he joined the Wärtsilä Sulzer Licence department in Turku as a Design Engineer. Early in his tenure, he transitioned to engine testing for Large Bore engines, including Sulzer and Pielstick designs. Back then, Wärtsilä focused on engines operated under licence agreements, and equipping Finnish shipyards. With a hands-on approach, Vesa commissioned engines at shipyards in Turku and Helsinki and even as far afield as Yokohama, Japan, and Kherson, Ukraine. Among other memorable projects were his trips to the Russian port city of Murmansk, where he tackled warranty issues and troubleshot them alongside colleagues.
When Wärtsilä shifted its focus to its proprietary Large Bore engines, manufacturing and development processes significantly transformed in Turku. During this time, Vesa transitioned to engine testing at the newly built factory for the Wärtsilä W46 engine, helping to establish Turku’s expertise in managing Wärtsilä's own products.
Vesa's drive and expertise steered his career into Wärtsilä's R&D division, where he assumed responsibility for fuel injection equipment and turbocharging on the Wärtsilä 46 engine. His work involved close collaboration with teams in Vaasa and international suppliers and cross-disciplinary teamwork at its finest.
During his time there, Vesa witnessed a culture of innovation that drove technical advancement and directly engaged customers by conveying the benefits of Wärtsilä's novel solutions. After a decade in R&D, Vesa took on a role in the TCP team, where he spent nearly two decades refining and optimising technical expertise in turbocharging systems.
For Vesa, Wärtsilä's collaborative and innovative spirit has been a key source of inspiration. Over his career, he has worked alongside talented colleagues, creating strong bonds within teams and fostering a shared belief in both the products and the problem-solving capabilities they bring to the table.
What gave Vesa true purpose was the opportunity to connect directly with Wärtsilä's customers. Whether troubleshooting on-site or meeting operators face-to-face, he has always valued the tangible impact of Wärtsilä's solutions on improving customers’ operations and businesses. For Vesa, the global and multicultural nature of Wärtsilä's workforce has been both a challenge and a gift — contributing to meaningful professional growth and numerous memories.
Reflecting on his time at Wärtsilä, Vesa fondly recalls pivotal moments that shaped his career, from navigating the challenges of his early days in Murmansk to forming connections based on mutual respect and problem-solving with colleagues worldwide. One particularly memorable instance was a gathering in Kherson, where Finnish engineers and locals shared music and camaraderie, symbolising a universal connection and the enduring importance of friendship. Vesa credits Wärtsilä's team spirit, particularly within Turku’s Technical Services team, for creating a sense of belonging like no other. Some of his colleagues have become lifelong friends, and many have worked together for over 20 or even 40 years. For Vesa, this enduring teamwork exemplifies why Wärtsilä continues to be a great organisation.
“I remember the time in Kherson’s yard, where we, after a workday, were sitting in a local park, playing in place purchased guitar and singing Auld Lang Syne with Finnish colleagues! Young local people replied by saying ‘druzba’. Didn’t figure out the meaning those days but learned later that it means friendship. Friendship is what we need more today. I have many friends from Wärtsilä, and you are all priceless. Thank you for being there.”
Having recently retired, Vesa reflects with pride on Wärtsilä's enduring legacy and its continued growth through the next generation. Many children of his former colleagues, including his own, have chosen to begin their careers at Wärtsilä — a testament to the company’s standing as both an industry leader and an inspiring place to work. Vesa's remarkable career and unwavering commitment leave a legacy of excellence and inspiration for future generations.
