Nixu Corporation

Nixu is a cybersecurity services company that has been shaping the future through cybersecurity for over three decades. We make cyberspace a secure place and help our clients ensure business resilience with peace of mind. 

about

Nixu is a cybersecurity services company that has been shaping the future through cybersecurity for over three decades. We make cyberspace a secure place and help our clients ensure business resilience with peace of mind. Nixu has Nordic roots, and we employ around 400 of the best professionals in Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Romania. Our experts are safeguarding the most demanding environments of some of the largest organizations in the world across all industries. Nixu shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Stock Exchange.

We are

Fair
Fair
 
Trustworthy

Trustworthy

Professional

Professional

History

1988

The Nixu story began in Finland, at the laboratory of Helsinki University of Technology, when Pekka Nikander founded Nixu in 1988. The name “Nixu” is derived from Pekka’s family name, the Unix operating system and the computer student lab nicknamed “Niksula,” where Mr. Nikander worked as a student.

1989

Nixu organized the first virus seminar as a prelude to the information security business.

1990

Nixu pioneered the TCP/IP march by helping customers with their Internet based e-mail systems.

1992

The first paid employees started working at Nixu, while the most important customer was Telecom Finland's internet services.

1994

The full blown commercial ISP platform was delivered to Telecom Finland, today called Telia. Nixu developed several generations of this platform and administered DNS service until 1998.

1995

The Nixuans created and started, using a web-controlled Linux drink vending machine on its premises.

1996

The first release of the Namesurfer product for DNS administration. Oiva Karppinen became CEO of Nixu.

1997

Nixu established Ericsson as a new customer.

1998

Nixu made an agreement with Saudi Arabia on the national Internet network with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Nixu implemented and operated the super-node, international gateways and management systems of the national Internet for KACST in Saudi Arabia. Nixu’s country organization was established. In the same year, Nixu began a long-term relationship with Nokia.

1999

Nixu growed by acquiring NetPeople Oy.

2000

Nixu continued to grow with the acquisitions of Magic Cookie Oy and Datatieto Oy. Nixu Middle East FZ-LLC was established and registered in Dubai Internet City.

2002

Rabbe Mattila became CEO of Nixu.

2004

Nixu developed a new mobile service for operators and service providers, showcased in the 3GSM Conference in Cannes, France.

2006

Timo Kotilainen started as Nixu CEO. The Namesurfer product and business spin-off were acquired by Nixu Software Oy. In the same year, Nixu was validated as a PCI data security standard auditor by MasterCard and Visa.

2008

Nixu focused on stronger growth in its primary business areas and sold its Middle East operations to two private entrepreneurs.

2009

Nixu moved its office from Helsinki’s Käpylä neighborhood to new, more secure premises in Keilaranta in Espoo.

2010

The number of Nixuans exceeded one hundred. The new initiative ‘Nixu Open’ was established as a part of the Nixu Group. Nixu joined Information Security Forum community.

2011

The Tietovastuu concept (information responsibility) and Tietovastuu.fi website were released. Marko Kauppi joined the Nixu board.

2012

Juhani Kaskeala, Chief of Defence of the Finnish Defence Forces (retired) was selected as a member of Nixu’s board. The Nixu Personas concept in identity management field was launched. Nixu CEO Timo Kotilainen was appointed to head the Finnish Information Security Cluster (FISC).

2013

Nixu celebrated its 25th year of operation, culminating in a Corporate Cybersecurity seminar for corporate executives. In 2013, Nixu delivered projects for customers in over 20 countries. Nixu participated in the Cyberlympics hacking competition for the first time and came in 4th place.

2014

Nixu acquired Panorama Partners Oy, a company specialized in user management and digital identities. The deal increased Nixu's expert team by nearly 40 people. Petri Kairinen was appointed as Nixu CEO. Trading with Nixu shares started at the First North marketplace in December, 2014.

2015

Nixu established a subsidiary, Nixu B.V. in the Netherlands led by Patrick van der Valk. The new Cyber Defense Center service was launched. It is a technology-based service package providing customers with a digital environment for real-time supervision and intrusion investigation as we were an up-to-date status of organizations’ web service threats.

2016

Nixu Corporation’s independent subsidiary Nixu Certification Oy, was granted the status of an official information security inspection body by Ficora. At the same time, Nixu Certification also achieved international ISO 27001 accreditation. Nixu continues to expand its operations; Nixu enters the Swedish market by acquiring Swedish Europoint Networking AB and Safeside Solutions AB, creating a strong position in the Swedish market. In the same year, Nixu established a subsidiary in the United States and established a new international organizational model.

2017

Nixu continued to grow strong; Nixu implemented two new company acquisitions by acquiring an internationally-experienced Expert Solution Support Center BV (ESSC) and Bitsec AB, which primarily operates in Sweden. After these purchases, Nixu's domain is clearly international. In 2017, Nixu's employees totaled more than 300 people. The Finnish Defense Force awarded Nixu with a national Facility Security Clearance.

 

2018

Trading on the Nixu’s shares was transferred from Nasdaq First North to the Nasdaq Helsinki Stock Exchange Official List. Nixu’s team – Team NX – took second place at the Global Cyberlympics -competition in 2018. Nixu’s anniversary year culminated on 4 December at the Nixu NXT event in Helsinki. The event celebrated Nixu’s 30-year history and, above all, the future of cybersecurity. 

2019

Nixu strengthened its market position in Sweden by acquiring the cybersecurity business of the security company Vesper Group. In addition, Nixu opened local operations in Denmark through the acquisition of Ezenta A/S, a company specializing in cybersecurity services. In June, Nixu Certification Ltd. was accredited to audit high security information systems. In August, Nixu announced its growth ambition for years 2020 to 2024. 
 

Board of Directors

Thor H.B. Winther

Thor H.B. Winther

Chairman of the Board since 2023
  • Master of Law, Master of Accounting & Auditing
  • Born 1961


Professional experience: Thor has served as in-house legal counsel at DNB ASA, as a deputy judge at Kristiansand City Court, and as executive officer at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Thor H.B. Winther is Group Legal Director/Senior Vice President of the DNV Group. He has served in his current position since 2011. As Group Legal Director, he holds the overall responsibility for legal risk management on a global basis, including legal advisory, contract handling, claims/litigation, and insurance and legal support in all M&A processes. He has previously served as legal counsel at DNV’s office in Shanghai, responsible for DNV Group Legal in Asia.

 

Liv A. Hovem

Liv A. Hovem

Deputy Chair of the Board since 2023
  • MSc Naval Arch and Offshore Eng. MSc NTH Civil Engineering
  • Born 1964
     

Professional experience: Hovem has experience in leading successful international businesses across multiple industries, including the maritime and energy sectors. She joined DNV in 1988.

As Chief Executive Officer of DNV’s Accelerator business area, Liv A. Hovem leads a multinational team in identifying initiatives with high growth potential within Digital Health, Cyber Security, and Inspection, and boosting their impact through organic growth, acquisitions, and partnerships. She has served as a board member in several R&D-related institutions. 

Anders Silwer

Anders Silwer

Member of the Board since 2019

Lieutenant General (Res)
Born 1959


Professional experience: Air Force Inspector 2008-2011, Chief of Joint Operations 2011-2012 and Chief Joint Training and Development 2013-2017 in the Swedish Defence Force. Member of the Board at Advenica AB and Swedish Fortifications Administration.

Anders has a long career in the Swedish Defence Forces and is still a reserve officer. After retiring from active duty he established his own consulting company, Anders Silwer AB. Anders´ contribution to the Nixu Board includes his extensive knowledge of public administration in Sweden, a wide network of contacts and his interest in the rising importance of cyber defense.

Joakim Karske

Joakim Karske

Member of the Board since 2022
  • Master of Arts
  • Born 1963



Professional experience: Design Forum Finland, hasan&co, OP Financial Group,
Nokia, Volvo Cars, Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz

Joakim Karske is among the most widely experienced design and brand leaders in Finland. He has solid experience in developing a customer-oriented culture, product and service offering, customer experience and brand as head of design and brand at Nokia, Vertu, and OP Financial Group, among others. Karske has held several positions of trust on the boards and advisory boards of Business Finland, The Association for Finnish Work, Marimekko, Sini, Helkama Velox, Saka, Korpinen, and LocalTapiola, among others.

Karske has experience in the international automotive, mobile, and technology industries, financial and services business, healthcare, fashion and consumer business, B2B, and consulting, among others.

Corporate Leadership Team

Teemu Salmi

Teemu Salmi

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Bachelor of Computer Science
  • Born 1973



Teemu Salmi joined Nixu Corporation as CEO in August 2022. Teemu has over twenty years of experience in senior and executive leadership positions in IT, telecom and forest industries. He has worked for 17 years at Ericsson in various cloud business, services business, and IT leadership positions. In 2017, Teemu joined Stora Enso where he was serving as CIO, Head of IT & Digitalisation and a member of the Group Leadership Team at Stora Enso. In addition, he was Managing Director of an intelligent packaging growth company, owned by Stora Enso. Teemu Salmi was given the CIO of the Year award in 2020 in Finland for his accomplishments.

Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com

Valtteri Peltomäki

Valtteri Peltomäki

Chief Commercial Officer
  • MSc (Econ)
  • Born 1981

 

Valtteri was appointed SVP Client Experience in March 2021. He is responsible for the business area that drives strong business growth and ensures a unified client experience of Nixu as a trusted cybersecurity partner. Additionally, the business area develops industry specific client understanding. Valtteri Joined Nixu in 2008. Before becoming SVP Client Experience, Valtteri has served as Finnish Market area Leader, Nixu’s CCO and has held various sales and marketing positions at Nixu.

Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com
Twitter: @vapelto

Janne Kärkkäinen

Janne Kärkkäinen

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • MSc (Econ)
  • Born 1973

 

Janne was appointed CFO in January 2016. As CFO Janne is responsible for Nixu Group’s financial management and risk management, and operational support functions. Additionally, he serves as Nixu’s deputy CEO and Secretary of the Board. Janne is an experienced CFO with a long international career, providing Nixu with wide-ranging international expertise in the financial management of consulting and service companies. Before joining Nixu, Janne worked as CFO at M-Brain, Global Intelligence Alliance Group, and Tetra Pak.

Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com

Björn-Erik Karlsson

Björn-Erik Karlsson

SVP Expert Services

Technical College Graduate
Born 1963


In March 2021, Björn-Erik was appointed SVP Expert Services. In this role he is responsible for Nixu’s Expert Services business area that provides cybersecurity professional services and develops the expertise of Nixu’s cybersecurity professionals. With more than 25 years in executive positions within the IT- and information industry he has extensive experience from leading and supporting successfully growth companies in optimizing efficiency and securing strong deliveries during times of change and through challenging initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions. Prior becoming SVP Expert Services, Björn-Erik served as Swedish Market Area Leader from April 2018.

Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com

 

 

Nathalie van Delden

Nathalie van Delden

Chief People Officer (CPO)
  • Bachelor of Human Resource Management
  • Born 1974


Nathalie has been Nixu's Chief People Officer since March 2022. She has been a part of Nixu as HR Manager for Benelux, Denmark & Business Area Expert Services since August 2019, responsible for the locations and business area strategic and operational human resources management. Nathalie has more than 20 years of experience in human resource management from international organizations and technology companies from her previous positions at Spil Games and eBay, among others. 

Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com

Pietari Sarjakivi

Pietari Sarjakivi

Chief Strategy Officer
  • MEng, Industrial Management
    BEng, Telecommunications,
    Born 1984


Pietari was appointed Chief Strategy Officer in February 2023. He is responsible for shaping Nixu's future direction, overseeing strategy execution and managing M&A activities. He has extensive background in cybersecurity and business development from several positions varying from technical specialist to business area leader and from CISO to principal consultant since he joined Nixu in 2008.

Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com

Jan Mickos 2022

Jan Mickos

SVP, Managed Services

Mechanic, Information Technology
Born 1974


Jan Mickos joined Nixu in September 2021 to lead Nixu’s Managed Services Business Area responsible for delivering and developing Nixu’s technology-based managed cybersecurity services and accountable for partner management. Before joining Nixu, Jan worked at the global IT service company CGI for about 20 years, holding multiple leadership positions, the latest as VP Cyber Security, heading Cyber Security Practice at CGI in Finland and the Baltics.
 
Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com
Twitter: @JMickos

 

Pauliina Nikko-Takala

Pauliina Nikko-Takala

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO)

Bachelor of Business Administration
Born 1974

Pauliina was appointed Chief Marketing and Communications Officer in April 2023. She has been Nixu's Head of Marketing and Communications since October 2021. Pauliina is responsible for building a strong brand image and driving client-centricity and business growth through marketing and communications.

She has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Before joining Nixu, she has worked at IT services company CGI and telecommunications company Telia, to name a few, in several roles within marketing and communications, service development, and cybersecurity.

Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com

 

Marek Rejmer

Marek Rejmer

SVP, Identity and Access Management

MSc, Computer Science and Engineering
Born 1962

Marek Rejmer joined the Nixu Corporate Leadership team on 1 August 2023 as Senior Vice President, Identity and Access Management (IAM). 

Marek has extensive experience and a successful career in the IT industry, having held several executive positions during his career. Most recently, he served as Group CIO for Telia Company and previously held the Head of Products and Solutions position at Telia Sweden. Prior to that, Marek worked for several years as VP for Enterprise Applications at Tieto, where he was responsible for international business and global delivery. 

Email: firstname.lastname@nixu.com