Marimekko Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE
6 May 2010 at 9.05 a.m.
MARIMEKKO RENEWS ITS ORGANISATION
Marimekko will renew its organisation with the objective of harmonising the
design of its various product lines, enhancing the efficiency of production and
sourcing in all product lines and developing product assortment planning to
better respond to the needs of different distribution channels. With these
measures, the company aims to accelerate growth and the realisation of its
vision - Marimekko's vision is to be the world's most prestigious pattern
designer and one of the most fascinating design brands. The following changes
will take place in the organisation.
After the retirement on 1 November 2010 of Helinä Uotila, 63, the Director
responsible for Marimekko's production, purchases and interior decoration line,
all three product lines of the company will be managed by one Product Director.
Niina Nenonen, Marimekko's current Director responsible for clothing, bags and
accessories lines, will take up the said position on 1 November 2010.
On 1 July 2010, Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, the current Creative Director of the
company's interior decoration line, will commence as Marimekko's Creative
Director of all product lines. She will also be appointed as a member of the
company's Management Group. Virva Launo, Creative Director of Marimekko's
clothing, bags and accessories lines, starts to consult for Marimekko from
Milan, effective of 1 July 2010 onward, concentrating on relevant product
categories with regard to the company's strategic international design
collaborations.
The main responsibility for the design of Marimekko's clothes, bags and
accessories will be assumed by the company's current designers, Noora Niinikoski
and Mika Piirainen. On 1 July 2010, Noora Niinikoski shall commence as Design
Manager, coordinating and guiding the design of and designer choices for these
products.
From 1 July 2010, the Marimekko Group's Management Group will be composed of
Mika Ihamuotila as Chairman, with members Thomas Ekström (finance and
administration), Malin Groop (marketing), Minna Kemell-Kutvonen (design), Päivi
Lonka (international sales), Niina Nenonen (product lines) and Piia Rossi
(company-owned retail shops in Finland).
For further information, contact:
Mika Ihamuotila, President and CEO, tel. +358 9 758 71
MARIMEKKO CORPORATION
Group Communications
Piia Pakarinen
Tel. +358 9 758 7293
Fax +358 9 755 3051
E-mail: piia.pakarinen@marimekko.fi
DISTRIBUTION:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd
Principal media
Marimekko´s web site: www.marimekko.com
Marimekko, established in 1951, is a leading Finnish textile and clothing design
company renowned for its original prints and colours. The company designs and
manufactures high-quality clothing, interior decoration textiles, bags and other
accessories. Marimekko products are sold in about 40 countries. Products with
Marimekko designs are also manufactured under licence in various countries. In
2009, the company's net sales amounted to EUR 72.5 million, of which exports and
international operations accounted for 27.3%. The Group employs about 370
people. The company's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.