Our commitment to sustainability is driven by the belief that we can make a meaningful impact by integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of our business. This commitment starts with our employees, who are the driving force behind our sustainability efforts.
In this article series, we shine a spotlight on our employees across various functions who champion sustainability in their roles.
Get to know Tess Casey, Chief Compliance Officer, and Vili Taskinen, Enterprise Risk Management Analyst.
Tess Casey, Chief Compliance Officer, Chicago
“One of the things I love about working in ethics and compliance is the opportunity to support and guide everyone in our organization.
“As the Chief Compliance Officer, my key responsibility is fostering a strong compliance culture based on our values and Code of Conduct, which we sum up as ‘we play fair.’ This principle is central to our value ‘Driven to excellence,’ where playing fair, aiming for excellence, and celebrating our wins guide how we work together.
“In terms of sustainability, our work closely aligns with ESG (Environmental, Social Governance) principles, particularly strong governance. Driving ethical business practices is key to a successful sustainability program.
“A major aspect of my work involves administering our WhistleB hotline and ensuring organizational justice, where consistency and fairness are essential. The WhistleB service allows employees and suppliers to report issues related to fair labor and environmental practices. People need to feel confident raising concerns, knowing we will investigate them thoroughly, and without fear of retaliation.
“I also oversee our anti-corruption policy, manage conflicts of interest, and ensure effective policy governance. Third-party due diligence is becoming increasingly important as companies strive to meet new sustainability regulations. We must ensure that all our business partners have the right practices in place throughout the value chain.
“The role of compliance in sustainability has evolved significantly, now encompassing a broader culture of integrity that includes diversity, inclusion, and climate change. We also have the opportunity to advance our DE&I initiatives through our law firm or vendor selection. The legal field has historically been paper-heavy, but we are now also accelerating the shift toward digital processes.
“By embedding these principles into our operations, we are making ethical and sustainable practices a core part of everything we do and setting a standard for excellence in our industry.”
Vili Taskinen, Enterprise Risk Management Analyst, Helsinki
“As an Enterprise Risk Management Analyst, my primary duties involve facilitating enterprise risk and insurance processes and acting as the main user of our risk management platform.
“Sustainability risks are a major focus for us, and we emphasize ESG risks across our brands and group functions. These risks range from minor incidents to major strategic challenges, all managed thoroughly and systematically.
“My role involves conducting on-site risk surveys at various locations to assess how different factors impact our production and operations. For example, we evaluate environmental risks such as earthquakes and floods to understand and mitigate their potential physical impacts. Changing environmental conditions, such as lack of snow, can also affect production. This leads to decreased sales of skiing products and impacts the entire industry.
“One significant challenge is achieving decarbonization while continuing to grow rapidly—a challenge we must overcome to ensure our long-term success. Also, human rights-related risks are gaining importance due to regulatory requirements and reputational concerns, underscoring the need for sustainable raw material suppliers.
“Addressing sustainability risks is meaningful and adds purpose to my work, as it requires staying informed about relevant developments and news, fostering greater awareness and thoughtfulness about our efforts.
“Risk management practices have evolved through internal desire to improve processes and external pressures from EU laws and regulations, driving higher industry standards. Instead of being perceived as burdens, sustainability risks are increasingly seen as opportunities to enhance operations.”
