Jyri Lassi Joins Veikkaus as General Counsel
Veikkaus has made a significant leadership change, appointing Jyri Lassi, a seasoned professional, as its new general counsel and part of its management team. This transition takes effect on September 1, following the departure of Hanna Kyrki, who is set to join Summa Defence.
Lassi arrives at Veikkaus after serving as the chief legal officer at Virta Global, a company focusing on electric vehicle charging solutions, where he spent over three years. His background is rich with legal expertise, including a tenure as general counsel at the innovative virtual reality firm Varjo and board membership at the software company Doerz.
His extensive legal journey includes a key role at PayPal between 2016 and 2020, where he advanced from vice president and legal chief IP officer to vice president of legal affairs. Prior to that, Lassi honed his skills in various legal positions within Nokia for more than eight years.
A New Chapter at Veikkaus
In reflecting on his forthcoming role, Lassi expressed enthusiasm for the new challenges that lie ahead for Veikkaus as it navigates a transformative period. With Finland set to open its previously monopolized iGaming sector, Lassi sees this as a pivotal moment for the company.
“Veikkaus stands at an intriguing crossroads with the end of its monopoly,” Lassi stated. “This shift introduces a competitive landscape that presents numerous opportunities for growth and expansion, not just within Finland but also on an international scale.”
Lassi is eager to contribute to the company’s evolution, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to shape its new strategic direction.
Veikkaus CEO Olli Sarekoski has voiced strong confidence in Lassi’s capabilities, highlighting the importance of his diverse experience in navigating the complexities of the global gambling landscape. “Jyri brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles in noteworthy international companies,” stated Sarekoski. “His expertise will be crucial as we advance in this dynamic and changing industry.”
This strategic appointment comes as Veikkaus prepares to unveil a revamped sportsbook, moving from the DraftKings platform to leverage OpenBet technology in its operations.