B.Sc. Eng.) Lars Hellberg (45) has been appointed Group Vice President, Head of Engine division and member of the Board of Management as of June 1, 2004. He joins Wärtsilä from Saab Automobile AB in Trollhättan, Sweden where he currently is Executive Director for Customer Satisfaction and Quality. Before joining Saab in 2001, Mr Hellberg has pursued a long career for Volvo in Sweden and in the Netherlands. He has held management positions related to engine and vehicle development, manufacturing and logistics, subsidiary management, corporate business processes, revenue management and global sales.
Lars Hellberg joining Wärtsilä now will ensure a smooth change of command during the summer and autumn well in time before Sven Bertlin is due to retire. Sven Bertlin will in the capacity of Executive Vice President oversee the implementation of the ongoing restructuring program until his retirement by the end of this year.