New CEO and management changes at PES-Architects
A new chapter begins at PES-Architects as long-serving CEO Jarkko Salminen, having reached retirement age, transitions into an advisory and board role after 26 years of leadership.
Pekka Mäkelä, Deputy CEO, has assumed the role of CEO at PES-Architects as of 1 March 2026. Pekka Mäkelä, MSc (Architecture), has been with PES-Architects since 2015, serving as Partner and Deputy CEO since 2023. Pekka has extensive experience in both architectural design and the leadership of large and complex projects, particularly in the public sector.
Tuomas Silvennoinen, Senior Partner and Chair of the Board, says: “I would like to thank Jarkko for his significant contribution, support and friendship over the years. We have shared over two decades of the joys and challenges of running a business together, and I’m pleased that we can continue to rely on his expertise going forward. I wish Jarkko all the best in this new chapter of his life.”
Tuomas continues that Pekka Mäkelä, a long-time colleague, is a clear and natural choice to lead the company. “Pekka is a leader with both the ambition and capability to guide PES-Architects’ operational activities, together with the PES Management Team, into the company’s next phase.”
“PES-Architects is recognised as one of Finland’s leading architecture firms, known for its high-quality design, strong expertise and ambitious projects. Having worked at PES-Architects for more than ten years, it’s a privilege to join and lead this success story,” says Pekka Mäkelä.
“I thank PES-Architects’ Board of Directors for their trust as I assume the role of CEO with humility and strong determination. Together with the Management Team and our talented professionals, we will further strengthen the company’s position and drive sustainable growth for the future,” Pekka adds.
Jarkko’s three-decade journey at PES-Architects
Jarkko was invited by PES-Architects’ founder Pekka Salminen to join the company as CEO and Partner in 2000. In 2002, Tuomas Silvennoinen joined as Partner and Chief Architect.
In 1995, Pekka Salminen tasked Jarkko with accelerating the company’s internationalisation. Just over 30 years later, PES-Architects has become Finland’s most international architecture practice, with offices and subsidiaries in Shanghai, China, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, employing approximately 90 design professionals.
“Together with the PES Management Team, we have succeeded exceptionally well in this mission. It’s been a privilege to help develop PES-Architects into one of Finland’s leading and most globally oriented architecture firms,” Jarkko says. “I have full confidence in Pekka to lead the company into its next chapter.”
Jarkko will continue at PES-Architects as Advisor and Senior Partner, focusing on board work, CEO coaching and strategic sparring, and supporting selected leadership responsibilities. He will also continue as Executive Director of both the Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City subsidiaries.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Pekka Mäkelä, CEO, Partner
pekka.makela@pesark.com, +358 50 5764142
Jarkko Salminen, Advisor, Senior Partner
jarkko.salminen@pesark.com, +358 40 5456766
Tuomas Silvennoinen, Chair of the Board, Senior Partner
tuomas.silvennoinen@pesark.com, +358 40 5652745
Photo: L-R: Jarkko Salminen, Pekka Mäkelä