Arto Rajala new Dean of the School of Marketing and Communication: "Integrating international staff and students into the university community is our priority"

Rajala has worked as a professor of marketing at the University of Vaasa for nine years. Before coming to Vaasa, he worked at Aalto University School of Business in various teaching and research positions. His most recent position at Aalto was Research Director. Rajala holds a master's degree in Economics from the University of Vaasa and received his doctorate in economics from the Helsinki School of Economics. His term as Dean runs until 31 March 2024.

As the dean, he is responsible for cocreation and research activities in our research platforms together with representatives from all disciplines and schools. Another key area is creating and developing degree programmes that answer the needs of future business settings.

– Our university has many development projects underway in areas such as accreditation, digitalisation, internationalisation and partnerships. These are also key topics for the School of Marketing and Communication, and of great importance for me. I also think it is important to maintain well-being at work and ensure that our different subject areas have sufficient and flexible resources for both teaching and research. The integration of international staff and students into the work community is one of our focus areas.

– My aim is to create an inspiring working community together with my colleagues and to maintain an open culture.