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About
An accomplished executive search consultant and business leader with more than two decades of international experience in general management, sales, marketing, and talent acquisition. With a proven track record as a managing director, senior partner, and general manager in both multinational corporations and boutique consultancies, Marko brings a unique blend of operational expertise, intercultural competence, and strategic vision to every assignment or project.
Fluent in Finnish, English, German, and Swedish, Marko is adept at adapting quickly and effectively within diverse, multinational teams. His background spans a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on serving internationally active medium-sized and family-owned companies (mid-caps) as well as private equity-driven organizations.
Specializations
Business Development & Sales Leadership: Proven ability to drive revenue growth, penetrate new markets, and turn around underperforming business units.
Strategic Marketing: Expertise in developing and implementing integrated marketing strategies, including digital campaigns, PR, and brand positioning.
Executive Search & Talent Acquisition: Extensive experience recruiting for general management, sales, marketing, finance, and production roles, including C-level and senior specialist positions.
Management & Team Assessments: Conducting cross-industry audits and leadership assessments to optimize team performance and organizational effectiveness.
Consulting for Growth: Supporting clients in establishing new business units, developing distribution channels, and executing market entry strategies.
Key Strengths
Outstanding communication skills, both internally within teams and externally with stakeholders and clients.
Strong analytical capabilities and a results-driven, entrepreneurial mindset.
Demonstrated proficiency in cross-functional roles and project management.
High integrity, reliability, and a commitment to ethical business practices.
Recognized for building long-term, profitable client relationships and fostering high-performing teams.
Career Highlights
EO Executives International GmbH (2024–Present)
Cluster Leader / Partner Industrial
Responsible for establishing EO’s presence in Finland and acquiring industrial clients across Germany, Finland, and Scandinavia. Leads digital marketing and intensive sales activities, securing numerous international clients and candidates.
Clevias GmbH (2012–Present)
Founder & Managing Director
Leads an international consultancy specializing in sales, marketing, and business development. Oversees all business operations, market analysis, client acquisition, and project management. Successfully established the business from scratch, acquiring a broad international client base and executing strategic projects for organizational growth.
Finding Heads International GmbH (2021–2024)
Senior Partner
Drove executive search and leadership assessment projects for Scandinavian and European clients, acquiring numerous mid-sized and large companies as clients.
CNA International Executive Search (2017–2021)
Senior Partner
Instrumental in setting up the Hamburg office and acquiring international customers, with a focus on executive search for senior and C-level positions.
Treston GmbH (2001–2012)
Managing Director, German Subsidiary & Group Shareholder
Held full P&L responsibility, developed growth strategies, and transformed the company into the group’s most profitable unit, achieving a 70% increase in turnover and significant profit growth. Recognized for effective team leadership, CRM implementation, and successful market expansion in Germany and Benelux.
Academic Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Master of Social Science (Economic Geography), University of Joensuu, Finland & University of Roskilde, Denmark
Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing), Business College of Lahti, Finland
Certified Board Member (HHJ), Chamber of Tampere, Finland
Certified Sales Competence Assessment Consultant, Extended DISC Germany
Ongoing professional development in assessment diagnostics, sales, marketing, and leadership
Member, Board Professionals BPF Finland; Hanseatischer GmbH-Geschäftsführer Verband Hamburg; Finnisch-deutsche Handelsgilde Hamburg (former Chairman and Board Member)
Languages & IT Skills
Finnish (native), English (professional), German (professional), Swedish (professional), Danish (basic)
Proficient in MS Office, CRM platforms (Combit, ZOHO, Starhunter, Bullhorn, Dripify), LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and various ERP
Fluent in Finnish, English, German, and Swedish, Marko is adept at adapting quickly and effectively within diverse, multinational teams. His background spans a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on serving internationally active medium-sized and family-owned companies (mid-caps) as well as private equity-driven organizations.
Specializations
Business Development & Sales Leadership: Proven ability to drive revenue growth, penetrate new markets, and turn around underperforming business units.
Strategic Marketing: Expertise in developing and implementing integrated marketing strategies, including digital campaigns, PR, and brand positioning.
Executive Search & Talent Acquisition: Extensive experience recruiting for general management, sales, marketing, finance, and production roles, including C-level and senior specialist positions.
Management & Team Assessments: Conducting cross-industry audits and leadership assessments to optimize team performance and organizational effectiveness.
Consulting for Growth: Supporting clients in establishing new business units, developing distribution channels, and executing market entry strategies.
Key Strengths
Outstanding communication skills, both internally within teams and externally with stakeholders and clients.
Strong analytical capabilities and a results-driven, entrepreneurial mindset.
Demonstrated proficiency in cross-functional roles and project management.
High integrity, reliability, and a commitment to ethical business practices.
Recognized for building long-term, profitable client relationships and fostering high-performing teams.
Career Highlights
EO Executives International GmbH (2024–Present)
Cluster Leader / Partner Industrial
Responsible for establishing EO’s presence in Finland and acquiring industrial clients across Germany, Finland, and Scandinavia. Leads digital marketing and intensive sales activities, securing numerous international clients and candidates.
Clevias GmbH (2012–Present)
Founder & Managing Director
Leads an international consultancy specializing in sales, marketing, and business development. Oversees all business operations, market analysis, client acquisition, and project management. Successfully established the business from scratch, acquiring a broad international client base and executing strategic projects for organizational growth.
Finding Heads International GmbH (2021–2024)
Senior Partner
Drove executive search and leadership assessment projects for Scandinavian and European clients, acquiring numerous mid-sized and large companies as clients.
CNA International Executive Search (2017–2021)
Senior Partner
Instrumental in setting up the Hamburg office and acquiring international customers, with a focus on executive search for senior and C-level positions.
Treston GmbH (2001–2012)
Managing Director, German Subsidiary & Group Shareholder
Held full P&L responsibility, developed growth strategies, and transformed the company into the group’s most profitable unit, achieving a 70% increase in turnover and significant profit growth. Recognized for effective team leadership, CRM implementation, and successful market expansion in Germany and Benelux.
Academic Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Master of Social Science (Economic Geography), University of Joensuu, Finland & University of Roskilde, Denmark
Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing), Business College of Lahti, Finland
Certified Board Member (HHJ), Chamber of Tampere, Finland
Certified Sales Competence Assessment Consultant, Extended DISC Germany
Ongoing professional development in assessment diagnostics, sales, marketing, and leadership
Member, Board Professionals BPF Finland; Hanseatischer GmbH-Geschäftsführer Verband Hamburg; Finnisch-deutsche Handelsgilde Hamburg (former Chairman and Board Member)
Languages & IT Skills
Finnish (native), English (professional), German (professional), Swedish (professional), Danish (basic)
Proficient in MS Office, CRM platforms (Combit, ZOHO, Starhunter, Bullhorn, Dripify), LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and various ERP
Advisory experience
Marko Könönen is an advisor and board member based in Germany, specialising in Management Consulting. They have advisor or board member experience with several other advised companies, LEONHARD WEISS GmbH & Co. KG and Pontech Marina AB. They speak Danish, English and Finnish. They are open to advisory board and board director opportunities and are available for introductions through Boardio.
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