Juha Antila appointed as digital director of the University of Vaasa

Antila has extensive experience in leading IT management roles within public organisations. He joins the University of Vaasa from the Finnish Food Authority, where he has served as the IT Director since 2019. In his current role, Antila has been responsible for the overall operation of the Finnish Food Authority's digital services.

Previously, Antila has held various IT management positions not only at the Finnish Food Authority but also at the Agency for Rural Affairs and the City of Vaasa. In addition to his public sector roles, Antila has extensive experience in software development and its management in the private sector.

– The digital director supports our university's strategic goal of enhancing the utilisation of digital solutions and artificial intelligence amidst the continuous and rapid changes in digital services and technologies. Juha Antila brings strong expertise in the development and implementation of digital systems, which is crucial for the innovative development of teaching, research, and services. The role of the digital director includes ensuring that our university community collaborates effectively in developing operations through digitalisation. I believe that under Antila's leadership, we can ensure that we stay closely aligned with digital and AI technological advancements, says Minna Martikainen, rector of the University of Vaasa.

Juha Antila is a member of the university's leadership team. As digital director, he will lead the development of the university's digital services and operational activities. The role emphasises the development and implementation of the digital services strategy, as well as the utilisation and adoption of new technologies in teaching, research, and related services.

– I am truly excited about the upcoming tasks and the opportunity to get to know my new colleagues. I studied at the University of Vaasa and have fond memories of my time there. When applying for the position of digital director, I familiarised myself with the university's strategy and noticed that it closely aligns with my own philosophy, where digitalisation is an essential part of the organisation's operations and enables the development of activities and achievement of goals. During the selection process, I concluded that I want to be part of this journey and contribute my share. I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this role, Antila states.