Maria Aspala appointed as the new managing director of Heka

Aspala has extensive work experience in the rental and real estate business and in the management of a right-of-occupancy community. She will be transferring to Heka from the position of managing director of Varsinais-Suomen Asumisoikeus Oy, which she has held since 2019. In the past, Aspala has also held managerial positions at SATO Oyj. Aspala is the chairperson of the right-of-occupancy working group of the Finnish Affordable Housing Companies’ Federation – KOVA and a member of the housing management group of Rakli.

“It is an honour for me to become the head of the largest rental housing company in Finland and to get to contribute to the housing of Helsinki residents. The sector is currently facing challenges in the form of rising costs and interest rates and uncertainty over the continuity of ARA funding. However, these difficult times will not continue forever. With fresh thinking and reforms, we can overcome these challenges. Our job is to look to the future. Heka has many strengths and solid expertise, which serve as an excellent foundation for new avenues of development,” Aspala describes her upcoming position.

Heka received a total of 93 applications for the position of managing director by the deadline. The final choice was made by the Heka Board on the basis of interviews and suitability assessments. The Heka Board was impressed by Aspala’s extensive experience and insight into ARA and non-profit housing.

“We would like to warmly welcome Maria to the position of Heka’s managing director. Stepping into the shoes of the experienced and respected current managing director Jaana Närö will not be an easy task. However, we have strong faith in Maria and her wide-ranging experience,” comments Juha Hakola, the chair of the Heka Board.