Krista Halttunen Takes the Helm as CEO of Halton Group’s Parent Company

Krista Halttunen, PhD, has been appointed as the inaugural CEO of Halton Group’s parent company, Halton Ventures. Her primary responsibility will be to transform Halton Ventures into an active and proficient owner, investor, and appealing partner for business development.

Halton Ventures focuses on investments in startups, innovative solutions, and funds that aim to enhance built and indoor environments sustainably. The company takes a long-term approach to every investment, prioritizing ventures that align with Halton’s core operations while fostering opportunities for innovation and renewal.

Founded two years ago to act as a responsible owner and investor, Halton Ventures welcomed Halttunen, 33, as CEO on January 1, 2025.

Halttunen expressed that her new role provides a unique platform to make a tangible impact on the green transition, surpassing her previous positions in academia and public service. She shared that Halton enables her to build impactful business initiatives while addressing urgent global challenges. Her commitment to value-driven family entrepreneurship and strategic development played a key role in her decision to take on the position.

An international authority on sustainable development and the green transition, Halttunen’s credentials include a Master’s in Physics and Philosophy from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Environmental Policy from Imperial College London. She has held roles as a management consultant with Boston Consulting Group, a policy manager at the UK energy regulator, and a sustainable finance researcher at the University of Oxford.

Though stepping into the family business was not an easy decision, the opportunity to contribute to strategic development, engage in active ownership, and drive innovative projects convinced Halttunen to return to Finland for the role.

Tarja Takki-Halttunen, Chair of the Board, highlighted Halttunen’s expertise and international network as assets that align perfectly with Halton Ventures’ goals. Takki-Halttunen also emphasized that Halton Ventures facilitates the long-term strategic development of Halton Group, prioritizing factors like indoor air quality, human well-being, and the green transition over financial returns. New initiatives developed within Halton Group may also transition to Halton Ventures for further growth.

Halton Ventures is driven by a mission to create a positive societal and environmental impact through innovation and entrepreneurship. The company is firmly rooted in values of sustainability and fairness, reflecting its broader purpose beyond mere profit.

Halttunen underscored the urgency of the company’s mission, stating that the world remains far from its goals and that meaningful work must begin without delay.

Founded by her grandfather, Seppo Halttunen, in 1969, Halton has been a family-led enterprise for over five decades. Krista’s parents, Mika Halttunen and Tarja Takki-Halttunen, have steered the business for more than 30 years. Alongside Krista, her brother Aleksi Halttunen serves as Vice Chair of the Halton Ventures Board, marking a strong representation of the family’s third generation in leadership. Both Krista and Aleksi are seasoned members of Halton Group’s Board of Directors, further solidifying the family’s legacy within the company.

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