Juho Ikonen Grew at Platom from an Industrial Engineering Student to a Versatile Nuclear Industry Professional

When Juho started as a summer trainee at Platom in 2006, he had no idea that one day he would become the company’s CEO and later its Chief Administrative Officer. His years at Platom have been full of learning, growth, and surprises—seasoned with a touch of humor in negotiation tactics. 

Practical work has taught him the most. Learning from others, such as managers and colleagues, is essential. Technical expertise is one area, but professional skills are equally important. The attitude should be open to different tasks, new ideas, and diverse people. Thinking from another person’s perspective helps with understanding. Valuing others’ work is crucial”, Juho reflects. 

The advice of experienced professionals stays with you throughout your career, alongside adopting new lessons. 

First Steps into the Nuclear Field 

Juho had just started his industrial engineering studies at Lappeenranta University of Technology when Platom’s then-CEO, Miika Puukko, hired him for a summer job. Miika encouraged Juho to study nuclear power technology, which was not originally part of his plans. 

My tasks during the first summer were quite mechanical; I transferred hundreds of CAD drawings from an old template to a new one—a kind of discipline exercise. The following summer, I got to practice 3D modeling, and my interest in the field deepened, Juho recalls. Platom had a great atmosphere, and that kept me in the industry. Juho says. Four summers as a trainee and a master’s thesis on performance management in an SME were steps toward a permanent career at the company. 

Career Development at Platom 

After graduating, Juho moved into the role of Office Manager and became more involved in major projects, such as system deliveries for autoclaves to the USA. These projects taught him a lot about requirements management—with Excel as the main tool. 

The Compliance Matrix was created during this project. It was the first step for Platom in developing requirements management, Juho explains. 

A turning point in Juho’s career came when Miika Puukko asked what he wanted from his career development, to which Juho replied that he wanted more responsibility. Soon after, he became Platom’s CEO. 

At that point, the slope of my career progression was pretty steep, Juho laughs. 

With responsibility came significant challenges, such as market changes following the Fukushima accident. Through these challenges, Juho learned how important it is to adapt to changes in the operating environment. 

Ideally, we should have the ability to identify and implement major improvements for the company even without crises. Diligence and discipline are important. In addition, you need the courage to do things you’ve never done before—and, of course, the ability to learn from mistakes. 

A Detour into the Bioenergy Sector 

Five years as CEO of Platom Oy taught Juho a lot about leadership, but in 2016 he decided to seek new experiences in the bioenergy sector. This gave him perspective from outside the nuclear industry. In projects in another field, Juho noticed differences in, among other things, how much company culture influences various aspects. 

Company culture—or the way things are done—is like the company’s DNA: it shows in daily operations and decision-making. Changing it is slow. Companies should pay more attention to the significance of culture and perhaps make its development part of long-term planning, Juho reflects. 

Return to Platom 

When Fennovoima’s new nuclear power project began, Juho returned to Platom to work in sales. Soon after, Juho moved back to developing the company’s finances and created tools that connected operations and the income statement more closely than before. 

It was amazing to see how much the company had changed and developed in just a couple of years. It was also nice to realize that my previous experience was still valuable, Juho says. 

Facing Challenges Requires Ambition and the Will to Do Better 

Following Russia’s war of aggression, Fennovoima’s project ended abruptly, and Platom—deeply involved in the initiative—had to adapt. 

We reacted quickly as our staff understood the seriousness of the situation. Effective control was made possible by a strong steering group, the team’s understanding, and smooth cooperation with Platom’s current CEO, Kirsi Hassinen. The experience significantly improved our team’s risk management and financial awareness, Juho explains. 

There should always be a little more ambition and the question: how can I be better than yesterday? 

Work–Life Balance 

Today, Juho works at Platom as Chief Administrative Officer. In his free time, he enjoys cycling and going to the gym. For winter cycling training, he uses an indoor trainer combined with a virtual training environment. 

The virtual environment also adds a social aspect to an otherwise solitary sport – it’s fun to see other cyclists in the virtual world, Juho says. 

He also mentions music as a hobby he’s been thinking about reviving. 

I used to play guitar and bass during my student years. Starting a Platom band might not be such a bad idea. What do you think, Miika?

A Journey of Continuous Learning 

Juho’s story is inspiring. It shows that an open mindset, hard work, and the courage to face new challenges can take you far – even all the way to the CEO’s chair. Juho emphasizes that learning continues throughout life. He still remembers the wise tips from his summer job years for handling negotiations.

You need to keep an open mind and dare to question your own actions so you don’t get stuck in a rut and stay alert to opportunities for improvement. It’s good to remember that the need for change doesn’t always have to come from challenges,” he sums up. Juho also recalls the internal training sessions held by Platom’s founder, Kalevi Puukko, during his summer job years – especially the sales training. “Back then, the advice was to always sit in front of a window during negotiations to gain a better position, with the light coming from behind. The guidance from seasoned professionals stays with you along your career path, alongside new lessons learned.

Juho actively played at student events in various bands.