New CEO For CTS Eventim’s Finnish Ticketing Operations

Juhana Stenback
Juhana Stenbäck, the new CEO of CTS Eventim’s Finnish ticketing operation Lippupiste.

Juhana Stenbäck has been named the new CEO of Lippupiste, Finland’s leading ticketing provider, which is part of CTS Eventim.

Stenbäck succeeds Ari Palhamo, who steps down as CEO effective Jan. 31, “in a changeover agreed on the most amicable terms,” according to a press release announcing the change in leadership.

Palhamo became CEO of Lippupiste in 2005, leading the company’s growth to become Finland’s largest ticketing business. He also oversaw the 2008 acquisition of Lippupiste by CTS Eventim.

Stenbäck, his successor, has been part of the Lippupiste management as COO since 2020. He’s an accomplished manager, and financial expert with 14 years of experience in the ticketing business. Previous positions included roles at L’Oreal Finland, and Deloitte & Touche.

Palhamo will continue his involvement with Lippupiste as a member of its board of directors. Stenbäck will report to Alexander Ruoff, COO on the CTS Eventim management board.

Comments:

Alexander Ruoff, COO, CTS Eventim, commented, “I’d like to thank Ari for his exceptional collaboration over the past 16 years and for our many shared successes. I’m delighted that he will be staying with us as a member of the Board of Directors. To Juhana, I say congratulations on the promotion. I’m certain that his experience and skills will allow him to successfully continue Ari’s work while also putting his own stamp on the company. I’m looking forward to continuing our collaboration and wish Juhana and his team all the very best.”

Outgoing CEO Ari Palhamo added, “We started as an independent company, Lippupiste
in 2005. That’s when we separated from Elisa Finland. Today, we have Lippupiste employees working in four locations: Tampere, Helsinki, Turku and Lahti. Over the past 18 years, we have grown into a market leader in Finland, as a ticketing partner for cultural, sports and live entertainment events, as well as a partner for venues and arenas. This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering trust shown to us by event organizers and consumers. I’m extremely grateful for this trust. I can’t think of a better time to hand over the responsibility of Lippupiste to Juhana. He is motivated, energetic and very experienced in our industry. I have full confidence that the company will become even stronger from now on.”

CEO-elect Juhana Stenbäck said, “I want to thank Ari, who has managed Lippupiste successfully for all these years. His leadership has played a significant role in shaping our company into what it is today. I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead Lippupiste. Our outlook for the future is bright, and I look forward to working with our talented teams as we continue to develop and deliver innovative solutions to our promoter clients and customers.”

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