Michael Hanf Email & Phone Number

Helsinki, Fi

Espoo, Uusimaa, Fi

In my current capacity as Lead, Sustainable Business at VTT, my central mission is to facilitate the seamless transfer of research findings and insights from our diverse research teams into actionable strategies for companies and organizations. This role is all about breaking down the barriers between the world of research and the practical applications in the business realm. By strategically aligning these invaluable insights, we amplify their influence on sustainability practices and objectives within the business world. This involves translating complex research jargon into a language that resonates with companies, making it easier for them to implement these findings.With an unwavering commitment to advancing the transition towards a sustainable world, my role enables me to make a substantial and meaningful impact by leveraging the collective wisdom and expertise within our organization. My goal is to enable companies to harness these research insights and scale their positive impact on sustainability, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

Gaia-X is dedicated to promoting the smooth flow of data within the European single market and beyond, with the goal of unlocking its potential for individuals and businesses while ensuring fairness and reliability in data sharing. In my role as Lead for the Gaia-X Circular Economy Working Group, I work to bring together stakeholders from diverse industries to identify and explore key use cases where data plays a pivotal role in advancing the circular economy.

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Fi

As a member of the Executive Board at the German Finnish Chamber of Commerce, I leverage my comprehensive expertise in technology, business strategy, and sustainability to actively contribute to strategic planning, governance, and decision-making processes in order to drive the organization's mission forward.

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Fi

As a member of the Advisory Board of the German Finnish Chamber of Commerce, I provide strategic guidance and support to the organization in promoting business relations between Germany and Finland. Leveraging my extensive experience in technology, business strategy, and sustainability, I work closely with the managing director and the board to identify opportunities for growth and collaboration, develop innovative programs and initiatives, and ensure the continued success of the chamber in fostering strong business ties between these two important markets.

Lappeenranta & Lahti, Finland, Fi

Guest lectures on e.g. “Digital Platforms in Circular Economy” and “Data & ESG”

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Fi

Guest Lecturer on "Sustainable Business Transformation"

Espoo, Fi

As the founder, host, and executive producer of the "Circular Coffee Break" podcast, I am responsible for creating and delivering high-quality content that explores the latest trends and innovations in the circular economy. Drawing on my experience in sustainability and business strategy, I lead the development of each episode, from identifying topics and guests to conducting interviews.Through the podcast, we aim to educate and inspire listeners about the potential of the circular economy to drive sustainable business practices and create positive social and environmental impact. As both a thought leader and practitioner in the circular economy space, I try to bring a unique perspective to the podcast, and I am passionate about sharing my insights and expertise with others. Whether engaging with leading experts in the field or sharing stories of real-world success, the "Circular Coffee Break" podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in driving positive change through sustainable business practices.

Espoo, Fi

As Managing Director at iksait Ventures, I am responsible for overseeing the company's operations and investment portfolio, identifying and evaluating promising investment opportunities and driving value creation for our portfolio companies. In addition to my management responsibilities, I also play an active role in coaching and mentoring entrepreneurs and start-ups, providing hands-on guidance and support to help them achieve their goals and realize their full potential.

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Fi

At Taival Advisory, I have held several leadership roles since co-founding the company in 2017. For the first five years, I served as CEO, where I was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company, overseeing all aspects of the business, and leading the successful growth and development of the organization. During this time, I played a critical role in expanding our client base and developing strategic partnerships with key industry players.Throughout my time as CEO, I also continued to leverage my expertise in strategy and transformation by delivering high-impact projects together wit our clients across various industries in Finland and Germany. I worked closely with clients to identify opportunities for growth and develop innovative solutions that helped them achieve their business objectives.In 2022, I transitioned from the role of CEO to Executive Partner & Member of the Board at Taival Advisory, where I continued to play a key leadership role in the organization. As Executive Partner, I worked closely with the leadership team to set the strategic direction of the company and ensure its continued growth and success. Through my work at Taival Advisory, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the current landscape and have honed my skills in leadership, strategy, and transformation to help organizations achieve long-term success.Selected Positions:Feb 2017 - Dec 2021 >> CEO, Taival Advisory Oy, FinlandJan 2022 - Jun 2023 >> Managing Director, Taival Deutschland GmbH, GermanyJan 2022 - Aug 2023 >> Member of the Board of Directors, Taival Advisory Oy, Finland

AI Monday is a monthly networking event for those interested in Artificial Intelligence, founded in 2017. As a co-founder, I played a pivotal role in creating and shaping this influential event series. Since its inception, AI Monday has brought together curious minds in over 9 cities / regions, including Helsinki, Berlin, Stuttgart, Leipzig, NRW, Singapore, Munich, Málaga, and Copenhagen. Our gatherings have become known for their no-nonsense, straight-talking approach to AI, nurturing a network between business professionals and tech enthusiasts.AI Monday events provide a unique platform for sharing AI knowledge and insights, encouraging organizations to embrace and leverage technology in an open-minded environment. Each gathering offers an opportunity to delve into the latest trends, use cases, and innovations in Artificial Intelligence. Our mission is to foster collaboration and learning within the AI community, facilitating connections between industry experts, startups, and established organizations. As we continue to expand and open new chapters, our dedication to providing a space for meaningful discussions, valuable networking, and practical AI applications remains at the core of AI Monday's vision.

As a co-founder and facilitator of the event series "Digitally Circular," I helped establishing a community platform in April 2018 to bring together experts in circular economy, sustainability, and digital technology in Finland. Our aim was to build a strong ecosystem and co-create circular solutions that would contribute to a more sustainable world, leveraging the power of digital technology as a key enabler.Over the years, we have organized 17 events across Espoo, Helsinki, and Tampere, as well as online, to engage with a global audience. These events have featured over 60 speakers from diverse backgrounds, including leading experts in circular economy, sustainability, and digital technology, as well as business decision-makers and innovators.Through Digitally Circular, we have built a thriving community of like-minded individuals and organizations, who are committed to driving positive change and creating a more sustainable future. Our events have been a forum for thought-provoking discussions, insightful presentations, and collaborative networking, leading to numerous partnerships, initiatives, and projects.As a co-founder and facilitator of Digitally Circular, I am proud to have played a key role in creating this community platform and supporting the co-creation of circular solutions with digital technology.

Dublin 2, Ie

As a Director at Accenture Strategy & Consulting, I was a member of the CMT (Communications, Media & Technology) Leadership team in Finland, where I was responsible for a range of tasks related to business development, innovation, and technology-driven business change. My role included overseeing sales management and developing business plans and sales strategies across the Nordics and EALA region, as well as managing innovation initiatives and ecosystems both within and outside of Accenture.I was also responsible for defining technology-driven business change and business models, with a focus on digital and cloud-based solutions. Additionally, I had P&L responsibility for a business segment in the Global CMT account, where I led a team of professionals to deliver high-quality services and solutions to clients.In my time at Accenture, I gained extensive experience in delivering concrete client projects in strategy and transformation, leveraging my skills in business and technology to drive positive outcomes for clients across a range of industries. This included developing and implementing strategies to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation, as well as driving major transformations to help clients adapt to changing market conditions and embrace digital technologies.In my previous roles at Accenture, I served as Head of Infrastructure Consulting & Services, Chief Operating Officer for Accenture Technology Consulting Finland, Head of IT Service Management within IT Strategy & Transformation, and Head of IT Transformation and M&A services within IT Strategy & Transformation. In each of these roles, I demonstrated a deep understanding of technology and business strategy, and leveraged this expertise to drive innovation, growth, and value for clients.

During my time as a freelance consultant with compartner, I worked on a variety of IT strategy and architecture projects for clients across industries. This included working on the concepting, design, and creation of an eGovernment platform, which involved collaborating with a team of experts to develop a comprehensive solution that met the needs of the client and their stakeholders. Additionally, I worked on a CIO concept for an insurance company, which involved developing a strategic vision for the company's IT function and identifying key priorities for investment and development.

Master Of Science In Business Administration, International Management, Marketing, Business Computing

Exchange Student, International Management, Marketing

A-Levels / High School Diploma, Construction Technology, Engineering & Management; Mathematics; Economics & Business Admin.