Kela board reviews leadership investigation results

The board of Kela, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, has reviewed the results of an external leadership investigation commissioned in November 2025. The review, conducted by psychologist Ilona Rauhala, was initiated following a crisis of confidence regarding the management style and public statements of CEO Lasse Lehtonen.

The investigation concluded that while Kela’s leadership functions well as a whole and the organization is strong, there is a need for more unified leadership and a clearer division of responsibilities among senior management. The report noted that the trust deficit experienced in late 2025 occurred because planned changes were not implemented in a way that secured organizational commitment.

Jaana Laitinen-Pesola, Chair of the Kela Board, stated that the report provides a positive overall picture of the leadership while identifying specific areas for development. The board emphasized that the findings will be used to clarify roles and improve information flow to ensure the organization can meet its core duties effectively.