FLSmidth is preparing for its next stage of growth with a key leadership appointment. The company has named Petri Virrankoski as President of its Service Business Line, adding an experienced mining industry executive to its Executive Leadership Team.
Virrankoski is expected to join FLSmidth in 2027. Until he takes up the role, Alanas Kraujalis will continue serving as interim President of the Service Business Line. FLSmidth said the appointment supports its plans to accelerate growth, with a particular focus on expanding its Service Business Line.
FLSmidth Targets Growth in Services
The appointment comes as FLSmidth enters what it describes as its next growth journey. The company plans to combine organic growth with strategic acquisitions and has identified the Service Business Line as an important area of focus.
Virrankoski will be responsible for leading the Service Business Line as FLSmidth works to increase growth and market share while maintaining profitability. His experience in mining and industrial services is expected to support these objectives. FLSmidth CEO Toni Laaksonen said Virrankoski’s experience in the mining industry and his record of delivering growth and stronger commercial performance made him a strong choice for the position.
Virrankoski Brings Mining Industry Experience
Virrankoski currently serves as President of Sandvik’s Surface Drilling Division. He has also been part of Sandvik Mining’s management team since 2019.
During his time leading the Surface Drilling Division, Virrankoski helped deliver significant gains in market share, sales growth, and profitability, according to FLSmidth. His background also includes leadership positions covering business development, sales, and services. Before his current position, Virrankoski held various roles at Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology, Sandvik Mining & Construction, and Hydroll Oy. His experience across these areas has given him a broad background in mining technology, commercial operations, and industrial services.
Strong Academic Background
Virrankoski also has an educational background connected to both engineering and mining. He holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Tampere University of Technology. He also earned a Mining Engineering degree from the University of Leoben. His combination of technical education and senior management experience has been built around the mining sector, which is the main industry FLSmidth now serves.
Alanas Kraujalis Continues as Interim President
Until Virrankoski joins FLSmidth, Alanas Kraujalis will continue in his interim position as President of the Service Business Line.
FLSmidth appointed Kraujalis to the interim role in February 2026, when the company also announced that Qasim Abrahams would become President of the Products Business Line. Kraujalis previously served as Head of Consumables at FLSmidth. FLSmidth’s February announcement said Kraujalis would work with his leadership team to develop the Service business strategy, strengthen service offerings, improve customer experience, and expand the company’s market position.
Service Business Remains a Key Focus
The latest appointment reflects FLSmidth’s broader effort to strengthen its leadership structure as it moves into a new strategic phase. The company has been building its Executive Leadership Team under CEO Toni Laaksonen. In July 2026, FLSmidth also announced appointments for Chief Strategy & M&A Officer and Group General Counsel, saying the changes would support its growth ambitions and preparations for its next strategic phase.
FLSmidth has previously said that its next strategic plans are expected to be presented later in 2026 at a Capital Markets Day. The company has also described itself as a focused supplier of technologies and services to the global mining industry following its strategic transformation and divestment of its heritage cement business. With Virrankoski expected to join in 2027, FLSmidth will have an experienced mining executive leading its Service Business Line as the company works toward its next stage of growth. For now, Kraujalis will continue to oversee the Service Business Line until the leadership transition takes place.
