New Executive Vice Presidents appointed to lead Halton’s Foodservice and Marine, Energy, and Infrastructure strategic business areas as the company accelerates its global growth strategy.
Sami Piirainen and Shuresh Maran are stepping into their new roles as of 1st of January, 2026.
Sami Piirainen has been appointed Executive Vice President of Halton Foodservice. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Halton Marine, Energy, and Infrastructure division, Sami brings over 20 years of Halton experience to his new role. He combines deep technical expertise with proven success in leadership roles, including sales and business management.
“With a strategy fresh from the oven, Foodservice is aiming for 75 percent growth in net sales by 2030 and to strengthen its position as global leader in professional kitchen ventilation. We will, for example, scale up our maintenance service business, establish new factories, and double sales in the Middle East and Asia. I’m honoured to lead this unique journey,” says Sami Piirainen. Foodservice is the largest of Halton’s four business units, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the group’s revenue in 2024.
Sami succeeds Georges Gaspar, who passed away in June 2025 following a long-term illness. Georges led Halton Foodservice globally since 2008, guiding the business through decades of remarkable growth. His vision and dedication to the company continue to be reflected in Halton’s new strategy.
“Georges built the foundation upon which we now build our future. His legacy of customer focus and team spirit will guide us forward,” says Sami Piirainen.
Additionally, Shuresh Maran has been appointed Executive Vice President of Halton Marine, Energy, and Infrastructure. As the Global Sales Director of the same business unit, Shuresh has led Halton’s expansion into heavy industry applications globally.
“We serve the most critical built environments where lives and billions in assets depend on our ventilation solutions. Doubling our revenue by 2030, we are not just riding the green transition wave—we are helping to create it,” says Shuresh Maran.
The two appointments will benefit Halton’s new strategy, launched in September, says Kai Konola, CEO of Halton Group.
“Sami and Shuresh are exceptional leaders driven by passion for technology and sustainability. My warmest congratulations to them.”
“These appointments reflect our commitment to executing ambitious growth plans in our two largest business units. As we expand globally, we are embracing the innovation needed to create a better, more sustainable future,” says Kai Konola.
The appointments will take effect on January 1, 2026. Kai Konola will lead Foodservice during the interim period. Both Sami and Shuresh will be members of Halton Group’s Executive team and will report to Kai Konola.
Further information
Kai Konola, CEO, Halton Group
Tel. +358 40 502 4900
kai.konola(at)halton.com
About Halton
Halton Group is a global technology leader in indoor air solutions for demanding built environments, including commercial and public premises, workspaces, healthcare institutions and laboratories, professional kitchens, ships, as well as energy production and industrial environments. Halton’s mission is to provide its end-users with safe, comfortable, and productive indoor environments that are energy-efficient and comply with sustainable principles. The company was founded in Finland in 1969 and remains family-owned to this day. Today, the Halton Group employs about 2000 people in more than 35 countries. The company’s turnover in 2024 was approximately 316 million euros. For more information, visit www.halton.com
