Maija Pohjakallio joined Metsä Group as VP, Climate and Circular Economy in August 2021. She is excited about promoting the well-being of people and the planet by combining science and business with sustainable development and a circular economy.
Prior to Metsä Group Maija worked in the field of circular economy at Sulapac Ltd., VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland, and the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland. She holds a doctoral degree in physical chemistry and electrochemistry from Helsinki University of Technology (currently Aalto University).
Maija has written several textbook chapters and teaches about sustainability and circular economy of materials at the University of Turku.
Paul’s focus is firmly on the future of cleaning and particularly, the role that technology will play in minimising environmental impact, supporting our front-line operatives and ensuring talented individuals understand the potential to succeed within the many aspects of our industry.
Having worked within the Facilities Management sector at various operational levels, Paul acquired Birkin Cleaning Services Ltd in 2016 and has never looked back. Birkin proudly competes on providing tech-led service solutions to create safe, clean and hygienic spaces for over 300 clients across the UK and employs 1600 operatives. Birkin is a forward-thinking organisation fuelled by positive, enthusiastic, and helpful team members who embrace the benefits of implementing innovation. Birkin has grown organically by 350% over the last 5 years and being a CSSA member has provided invaluable support in achieving such progress.
Paul is proud to be an Environmental Cleaning Chartered Practioner and an active member the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners as a Freeman of the City of London.
As Chairman of the CSSA, Paul believes that there is a significant opportunity for the association to provide vital leadership for
our membership as the industry evolves and adapts to the new world. The CSSA helps ambitious businesses grow, comply, change and innovate.
Jukka Siukosaari is the Finnish Ambassdor to the UK, appointed in September 2021. He previously worked at the Office of the President of the Republic, where he has worked as Secretary General since 2018. In 2016–2018, he served as Finland’s Ambassador in Tokyo and in 2012–2016, as Finland’s Ambassador in Buenos Aires. His career in the Diplomatic Service includes postings to London, Pretoria, Rome and Dublin.
Jukka joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1995.
He holds the degree of Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration.
Andrew Griffiths is Director of Policy and Partnerships at Planet Mark, a sustainability certification that supports organisations and real estate to measure and continually reduce carbon emissions and increase their social value. Andrew co-founded the Carbon Accounting Alliance (CAA) representing 260+ organisations in the industry. He also sits on Advisory Boards, Councils and Committees for the Institute of Directors (IoD), BSI Greenhouse Gas Management Standards, and UK-Government backed initiatives like UK Business Climate Hub and Project Perseus. Having delivered a TEDx talk on the power of meaningful networking, he is a big believer in the power of communication and how it can be used to drive climate action.
Lyn Litchfield joined the Board of the Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce in 2011 and served as Vice Chairman for multiple years until she was elected Chairman in 2023. She is a devoted player in Finnish/Nordic communities, and she also serves as Vice Chairman of the Anglo-Finnish Society.
A Chinese-born Finn, a Freeman of the City of London, and a Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & Coach Harness Makers, Lyn began her career as a TV journalist and news reporter in China. Her 15-year career in various key global positions at Nokia has provided Lyn with valuable international experience and an extensive business network. Over the past decade, as CEO of PBMC Ltd, she has built a highly successful business in securing major international broadcasting rights deals for major sports IPs in the fields of football, tennis, and golf.
Lyn speaks five languages and holds a BA in Journalism & Mass Communications and an MA in Economics.
Whilst a lover of travel and sport, especially downhill skiing, golf, tennis, yoga and long-distance running (half marathon record of 1h43min – Great North Run), Lyn is also a great fan of classical music, opera, art, and fashion. She sits on the Board of Trustees and Management Committee of Surrey Hills International Music Festival (previously known as Investec International Music Festival).
Jeremy is the Sustainable Development Group Manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council. He is responsible for the development and delivery of council policy and strategy relating to environmental management, climate change, biodiversity, and coastal management. Jeremy has over 15 years’ experience of managing the impacts of rapid climate-driven coastal change in the East Riding, including the delivery of practical community level adaptation projects, supporting the relocation of the most vulnerable coastal residents. Recently, he has overseen the development of a Climate Change Strategy for the East Riding as well as a major review of the Council’s Environmental Policy, and is currently working on the development of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Hull and East Yorkshire.
As manager of the Sustainable Development team, he has ensured that the council’s ISO14001 accredited Environmental Management System is maintained and continually improved to help manage a wide range of environmental impacts and pressures.