Silmäasema appoints Jussi Salminen as CEO

Silmäasema Oyj                
Stock Exchange Release                       
27 November 2018 at 9:30 a.m. EET

Silmäasema has appointed Jussi Salminen (born 1974), M.Sc.Tech., as CEO. He will start in the position in early 2019 on a date to be announced later, however at the latest in the beginning of February. Salminen has a long career in management positions at telecom company Telia Finland, among others in the fields of marketing, consumer business and corporate business.

"Jussi has a proven track record in leading consumer businesses and business chains in harsh competitive environment. We believe his modern views will come in good use in an expert organisation such as Silmäasema is", says Jukka Hienonen, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Silmäasema.

"Silmäasema is a fine company with excellent expertise and professionals. Through our advanced service entity, we are able to provide our customers transcendent service experience. Due to my background, I'm familiar with the requirements set by a highly competitive industry and how strong customer experience is built through professional personnel. I have a track record in valuing expertise and in leading expert organisations. I'm excited to get to build together with Silmäasema's professional team the future of the company", says Jussi Salminen.

Anu Kankkunen, the CFO of Silmäasema, will continue in her role as the Interim CEO until Salminen starts in his position.

"Anu will continue in her position as CFO and on the behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to thank her for the well-run transition period leadership that she took with open-mindedness and with a fast schedule", says Jukka Hienonen, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Silmäasema.

Additional information

Jukka Hienonen, Chairman of the Board, tel. +358 50 388 9670

Jussi Salminen, the future CEO of Silmäasema, tel. +358 40 834 5818

SILMÄASEMA OYJ

Anu Kankkunen
Interim CEO, CFO

Tuukka Hirvonen
Head of Communications and Investor Relations

Silmäasema is a Finnish company, which offers all products and services for optical retail and eye healthcare nationwide. Silmäasema is the largest private eye clinic provider offering eye surgeries and the second largest optical retail chain in Finland. The Silmäasema chain has over 150 stores and 14 eye clinics in Finland as well as ten stores in Estonia. The Silmäasema chain employs close to 1,000 eye healthcare professionals. Silmäasema's Group net sales were EUR 118.3 million in 2017 and adjusted EBITDA was EUR 11.8 million.