Aspo - Changes board/management/auditors

Aspo Plc: Mikko Laavainen appointed Managing Director of Leipurin Plc, part of Aspo Group

ASPO Plc             STOCK EXCHANGE BULLETIN   February 18, 2016 at 13:00

MIKKO LAAVAINEN APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LEIPURIN PLC, PART OF ASPO GROUP

Mikko Laavainen, M.Sc. (Marketing) 42, has been appointed the new Managing
Director of Leipurin Plc, part of Aspo Group, and a member of the Group
Executive Committee of Aspo Group starting from March 1, 2016. Since 2006, Mikko
Laavainen has worked as a director of Raisio Plc - in managerial positions in
sales and marketing at first. Since 2012 he was in charge of Raisio Plc's
Benecol operations.

"Mikko Laavainen's performance in the development of solution operations in the
demanding international food market represents an excellent addition to the new
strategy and development phase of Leipurin Plc. The future development of
Leipurin Plc will focus not only on solid expertise in industrial baking, but
also on Out-of-Home products and concepts, such as cafés and snacks."

"Leipurin holds a strong market position in Finland, Russia and the Baltic
region. By appointing Mikko Leipurin's new Managing Director, we are looking for
new development and growth. In western markets, it is important to have a clear
understanding of the changing demands of consumers and to possess varied
knowledge of the development of distribution channels. In eastern growth
markets, such as Russia, Leipurin is seeking a stronger position, for example,
by launching frozen bakery product concepts and by looking for new sales
channels, such as cafés and service station chains. Paul Taimitarha, the current
Managing Director of Leipurin Plc, will leave the company on February 29, 2016.
I wish to thank Paul for his strong input in the development of Leipurin Plc,
the creation of the new strategy and the start-up of changes, first as a member
of the Board of Directors and now as the Managing Director," says Aki Ojanen,
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leipurin Plc.

In 2015, Leipurin's net sales amounted to EUR 118 million and the operating
profit was EUR 2.4 million. Leipurin Plc is part of Aspo Group. Aspo's net sales
in 2015 totaled EUR 446 million and its operating profit stood at EUR 20.6
million. Aspo's strategy is to own, lead and develop its businesses that are
striving to become market leaders in their sectors. Aspo operates in 17
countries.

ASPO Plc

Aki Ojanen
CEO

Further information:
Aki Ojanen, CEO of Aspo Plc, Chairman of the Board of Leipurin Plc, tel.
+358 9 521 4010, +358 400 106 592, aki.ojanen@aspo.com

Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Key Media
www.aspo.com



Aspo is a conglomerate that owns and develops business operations in Northern
Europe and growth markets focusing on demanding B-to-B customers. Our strong
company brands - ESL Shipping, Leipurin, Telko and Kaukomarkkinat - aim to be
the market leaders in their sectors. They are responsible for their own
operations, customer relationships and the development of these. Together they
generate Aspo's goodwill. Aspo's Group structure and business operations are
continually developed without any predefined schedules.








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