The Right Board Expertise for Growth

Challenge: Board Renewal Amid Change

Founded in 1880, Antell is one of Finland’s best-known lunch restaurant chains. The family-owned business employs approximately 300 people and serves customers across Finland.

In early 2024, Antell’s board of directors faced a significant transition. Two experienced board members were nearing the end of their long tenures, and CEO Tomi Lantto initiated a search for new board members. The goal was to fill the two vacant board seats with individuals who could help take the company forward.

Antell wanted to ensure that the best possible board talent could be found, even beyond its existing network.

Solution: an open search and a broad talent network

Antell engaged several service providers, one of which was Ferovalo. The company had previously worked with Ferovalo and was already familiar with its transparent process and network of experienced and highly motivated candidates.

Ferovalo launched an open board search through the Best Best Talent Platform network, where experienced board professionals and business experts can apply for open board positions.

During the search process, Teresa Laimio stood out thanks to her more than 20 years of experience in the food industry and her extensive board experience. Her expertise closely matched Antell’s objectives and the capabilities the company was seeking to strengthen within its board.

In April 2024, Teresa Laimio was appointed to Antell’s board alongside another new board professional.

Results: A Stronger Board and Broader Expertise

More than a year later, Antell remains highly satisfied with the outcome of the board renewal.

Key Results

• Broader access to board talent – the open search process enabled Antell to identify qualified candidates beyond its existing network.
• Relevant industry expertise – the board gained valuable food industry and governance expertise to support the company’s strategic objectives.
• Recognition for successful board leadership – at the end of 2024, Antell was selected as one of three finalists for the Hallituspartnerit Kultainen Nuija Award in recognition of its successful board work.
  

Antell’s experience demonstrates how an open and broad search process can bring valuable expertise to a company that may not otherwise be found through existing networks.

“From a process perspective, I recommend an open search to all companies. Of course, you can recruit people from your own circle of acquaintances, but you get a much broader pool when you open the search more widely.”
– Tomi Lantto, CEO, Antell

Ferovalo helps companies find experienced board professionals, advisors, and interim experts to support growth, transformation, and international expansion. Through its extensive network, Ferovalo provides a cost-effective way to access the right expertise for the next phase of growth.

Contact: 

Elina Liehu
elina.liehu@htgp.fi
+358 40 564 7441