Behind every strong team is strong support – and we’re excited to welcome Katja Kinanen to MedEngine in the role of People & Operations Manager, Nordics. With over 14 years of HR experience spanning the full employee lifecycle, in both local and global roles and across a range of industries, Katja joins us with a collaborative mindset, and a genuine enthusiasm for supporting colleagues and driving organisational success.
Katja is an empathetic and supportive HR professional who is known among colleagues for her enthusiastic energy, warm sense of humour, and willingness to help others. She thrives in environments where people, processes, and collaboration come together – and where she can support both individuals and teams succeed.
“ I have a passion for continuous growth, and I like to take responsibility – whether it is a new role, an interesting project or a new initiative.”
That mindset has clearly shaped her career path. Before joining MedEngine, Katja worked at Mölnlycke as a global employee in Sweden, Finland and UK People teams, supporting managers in three business areas and contributing to global projects. ”Earlier in my career, I have worked extensively with HR systems in companies such as KONE, Lemminkäinen, and OP-Pohjola. I have also gained experience in the healthcare sector at HUS,” she shares.
Katja holds a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Vaasa, where she majored in Management and Organization. During her studies, she also completed an Erasmus exchange in Troyes, France.
Working with people, especially in international and multicultural settings, is something Katja truly enjoys, as is collaborating closely with colleagues. She finds it particularly rewarding to support both managers and employees in achieving organisational goals. With strengths in global HR, HRIS, people operations, and project management, Katja looks forward to applying her expertise to support the MedEngine team.
“ The People & Operations Manager, Nordics role provides an opportunity to grow in my career in a company that contributes to something meaningful.”
As a balance to her professional life, Katja enjoys movement, adventure, and moments of calm. In adulthood, she has embraced a new hobby: tennis, which she has now been playing with coaching for the past five years. ”When I was younger, I played volleyball, and I would love to find another team sport alongside tennis. Perhaps football could be an option!” she considers. Her other hobbies include gym, yin yoga and cross-country skiing in the winter. ”I also love escape room board games and escape rooms in a themed room!” she adds enthusiastically.
“ I am a mix of an adventurous spirit and a desire to see the world, as well as someone who enjoys quiet evenings at home.”
That adventurous side has already taken her to some memorable places. Katja enjoys hiking and spending time in nature: ”I have climbed Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Northern Europe (2,469 m). I have also road-tripped through the Lofoten Islands and travelled the Via Baltica route from Helsinki to Gdansk with my partner,” she recounts.
Next, she’ll be taking up running again as she joins MedEngine colleagues in the Helsinki City Run marathon relay race. ”I have run half-marathons in the past, but it’s been a while, so this will be a challenge!”, she laughs.
And finally, one small but very important detail: a cup of Keisarin Morsian tea can instantly brighten Katja’s day. In fact, it’s such an all-time favourite that she often carries tea bags with her wherever she goes – and naturally, she did not forget to bring one on her very first day at work!
We are thrilled to have Katja with us and look forward to seeing her energy, experience, and enthusiasm in action. A very warm welcome!
MedEngine Warmly Welcomes Katja Kinanen, MedEngine News, People, Personnel
