Anora Group Plc Inside information 7 November 2025 at 11.00 a.m. EET
Inside information: Chairperson of Anora to change; Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen
proposed to be elected as the new Chairperson
The Chairperson of the Board of Directors and the Human Resources Committee of
Anora Group Plc, Michael Holm Johansen, has informed Anora's Shareholders'
Nomination Board that he would wish step down after the approval of Anora's
updated strategy.
“The Board of Directors has this year focused on supporting CEO Kirsi Puntila
and the executive management team in their work on an updated strategy and
transformation of the company. After a robust and comprehensive strategy
process, I am pleased to see the successful launch of the building blocks for
Anora's turnaround and future growth at the Capital Markets Day on 5 November
2025. CEO Puntila and the executive management team have a full and unanimous
support of the Board for the execution of the updated strategy. This is also a
natural point in time for me to reflect on my chairmanship. After ten years at
the helm of, first Arcus' Board and after the merger of Arcus and Altia, Anora's
Board, this is the right time for me to pass on the baton to a new Chairperson
to lead the Board and support CEO Puntila and the team in the execution of the
updated strategy from the start,” says Michael Holm Johansen, Chairperson of
Anora's Board of Directors.
“As I step down from my role on Anora's Board, I want to express my sincere
gratitude to my fellow board members and the management for the collaboration,
trust, and inspiration over the years. It has been a privilege to be part of
Anora's journey and to contribute to its growth and transformation. I leave with
great respect for the people and purpose that make Anora unique — and I look
forward to following the company in its continued development,” Michael Holm
Johansen continues.
The Shareholders Nomination Board of Anora has proposed to the Board that Atle
Vidar Nagel Johansen would be elected as member and Chairperson of the Board of
Directors at an extraordinary general meeting of Anora for a term ending at the
conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting. The Nomination Board has assessed
that Mr Johansen is independent of the company and its significant shareholders.
The Nomination Board's proposal and the CV and photo of Mr Johansen are attached
to this stock exchange release.
The other currently serving members of the Board elected at the Annual General
Meeting 2025 would continue as Board members. The Board members' term of office
would last until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting 2026.
“On behalf of the Nomination Board, I would like to thank Michael Holm Johansen
for his long service and valuable contributions as Chairperson of the Board of
first Arcus and then Anora and express our sincere thanks to Michael for his
steadfast leadership and hard work for the company. We wish him continued
success in his future endeavours,” says Stein Erik Hagen, Chairman of the
Nomination Board.
“I am truly honoured and excited to be put forward as a candidate for
Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Anora. The company's superior portfolio
of strong brands in the Nordics is impressive. My main focus and top priority as
Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Anora would be to support the
successful execution of Anora's updated strategy. If elected, I truly look
forward to working with the Board of Directors, CEO Kirsi Puntila and the
executive management team,” says Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen.
The Board of Directors will separately summon an extraordinary general meeting,
which is planned to be held on 3 December 2025 as a virtual remote meeting
without meeting venue. Michael Holm Johansen will continue in his role until the
conclusion of the extraordinary general meeting.
Anora Group Plc
Further information:
Stein Erik Hagen, Canica AS, Chairman of Anora's Shareholders' Nomination Board
Michael Holm Johansen, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Chairperson of
the Human Resources Committee of Anora Group Plc
Contacts:
Milena Hæggström, Director, Investor Relations,
tel. +358 40 5581 328, milena.haeggstrom@anora.com
Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
Principal media
www.anora.com
APPENDIX: Proposal by Anora's Shareholders' Nomination Board on the election of
new Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Anora Group Plc's Shareholders' Nomination Board has submitted a proposal to the
company's Board of Directors on the election of a new Chairperson of the Board
of Anora Group Plc. Serving Chairperson Michael Holm Johansen has informed the
Nomination Board that he would wish step down after the approval of Anora's
updated strategy.
The Nomination Board proposes that Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen would be elected as
member and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Anora Group Plc by an
extraordinary general meeting for a term ending at the conclusion of the next
Annual General Meeting.
The other serving shareholder elected members of the Board - Jyrki Mäki-Kala,
Christer Kjos, Annareetta Lumme-Timonen, Florence Rollet and Rebecca Tallmark-
will continue in their roles in accordance with the resolution of the Annual
General Meeting held on 15 April 2025. In addition to the Board members elected
by the Annual General Meeting, Anora's employees have, in accordance with the
agreement on employee participation between Anora and the special negotiating
body of the employees, elected one member and his/her deputy to the Board of
Directors. As announced earlier, Jussi Mikkola (deputy Tero Kollanus) was
elected in April 2024 and his term of office lasts until the end of the Annual
General Meeting 2026.
“On behalf of the Nomination Board, I would like to thank Michael Holm Johansen
for his long service and valuable contributions as a Chairperson of the Board of
first Arcus and then Anora, and express our sincere thanks to Michael for his
steadfast leadership and hard work for the company. We wish him continued
success in his future endeavours,” says Stein Erik Hagen, Chairman of the
Nomination Board.
Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen has given his consent to the position and, according
to the Nomination Board's assessment, is independent of the company and its
significant shareholders.
The Nomination Board proposes that Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen is paid the
remuneration for Board members decided by the Annual General Meeting on 15 April
2025, including the annual fee for the chairperson of the Board proportionate to
the length of his term.
Anora is a leading wine and spirits brand house in the Nordic region and a
global industry forerunner in sustainability. Our market-leading portfolio
consists of our own iconic Nordic brands and a wide range of prominent
international partner wines and spirits. We export to close to 30 markets
globally. Anora Group also includes Anora Industrial and logistics company
Vectura. In 2024, Anora's net sales were EUR 692.0 million and the company
employs about 1,200 professionals. Anora's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.