Sari Rimpilainen, Mba, M.Sc. Email & Phone Number

In a senior role within the Finnish Olympic Committee, I lead and manage cross-functional preparation processes mainly for the Winter and Summer Olympic Games but also for the European Games, University Games, Youth Olympic Games and European Youth Olympic Festivals. At Games, I hold a leadership position as Chief of Mission or Deputy Chief of Mission being responsible for the team and all aspects of its operations. During each Olympiad, the Finnish Olympic Committee participates in 15 different multi-sport GamesI am also accountable for an Olympic Solidarity program, which is International Olympic Committee’s development and financing program for new initiatives and projects within National Olympic Committees. In 2022, two years into the current program period, the Finnish Olympic Committee has applied for, and received, financing for 61 projects worth several million Euros.

London, United Kingdom

Led an account team of 12 people managing and developing Shell's global motorsport sponsorship programs and brand activation across prestigious partnership properties such as Scuderia Ferrari (Formula 1 and GT cars), Ducati Corse (MotoGP), Hyundai Motorsport GmbH (WRC), BMW Motorsport (DTM), Automobile Club de l'Ouest (WEC Le Mans 24h) as well as Shell Rimula.

Finland

Oversaw various FMCG, financial institution and government agency accounts including Unilever (Ben & Jerry's, Comfort, Neutral), Philips (Sonicare), Heineken, PepsiCo (Pepsi Next), Finavia/Finnair, Western Union, Ministry of Finance, State Treasury and Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority delivering strategic, innovative and impactful BTL marketing campaigns and events to B2B/B2C and G2B/G2C audiences.

London, United Kingdom

Developed and delivered a customer support program for 17,000 VIP clients – 200 organisations - by managing a team of 10 Account Managers. Managed primary Accreditation Centres at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Games-time headquarters servicing the IOC and IPC executives, members and guests, Royalty, Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Presidents and Secretaries General of the International Sport Federations as well as CEOs of TOP sponsors and National Partners.

Singapore

Organised the inaugural Youth Olympic Games with 5,000 athletes from 204 participating National Olympic Committees.

Vancouver, Canada Area

Captured and analysed the 82 participating NOCs’ operational requirements, and collaborated with the Olympic organising committee’s internal divisions to translate them into Games-time plans, products and services.

Toronto, Canada Area

Created and built, from the ground up, a self-funding youth sports program with a start-up grant of $500,000 CAD. To date, the program has been delivered to over 170,000 children in the Province of Ontario and earned a HIGH FIVE® quality assurance standard.

Toronto, Canada Area

Led a team of 15 volunteers in managing the official training sites for successful training for the participating 24 teams. Provided leadership in meeting with the venue owners prior to the tournament and setting up service standards and protocol for the training sessions. Managed hospitality services and VIP areas at the main stadium during matches in accordance with the FIFA on-site protocol.

Edmonton, Canada Area

Designed and implemented highly successful national and international promotional programs aimed at increasing awareness and registrations for the event. The registration goal of 16,000 was exceeded by 6,000 participants with total revenues of $4 million (CAD). Negotiated sponsorship agreements with revenues totalling $2.3 million (CAD); planned and fulfilled sponsor servicing programs; liaised with other divisions to ensure sponsor rights and benefits were understood, respected and fulfilled.

Edmonton, Canada Area

Functioned as a communication and information link between the International Association for Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the organising committee to stage the third largest spectator sporting event in the world. Liaised with 200 Technical Officials for the Field of Play operations; recruited and trained 2,000 volunteers for the main stadium, road events and training venues; created publications such as a Team Handbook.

Mba, International Business And Marketing

Master Of Science, Sport Management

Education record

Education record