Press release 24.6.2026
The Board of Fida International has appointed Master of Theology Jyrki Palmi as the new Executive Director of the mission and development organisation, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. He will assume the position on 1 September 2026, succeeding Harri Hakola, who will retire at the end of the year after leading the organisation for nearly 17 years.
Jyrki Palmi has served as Deputy Executive Director of Fida since 2019, overseeing the organisation’s mission work, church relations, and fundraising. In addition to his background in both business and theology, he brings extensive experience in church leadership, missions, and international work.
Before joining Fida, Palmi served as Missions Pastor at Helsinki Saalem Church and as Senior Pastor of Jyväskylä Pentecostal Church. He has also been involved in mission work in countries including Albania and Hungary.
– I accept this responsibility with gratitude and humility. Fida carries out meaningful work among some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Together with our staff, churches, and partners, I want to strengthen this work and help build a future where hope and opportunities belong to everyone, says Palmi.
Petteri Arasalo, Chair of the Fida Board, believes Palmi is well equipped to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
– Jyrki Palmi brings exceptionally broad experience in church leadership, mission work, and international engagement. He has a deep understanding of Fida’s work and a strong ability to build collaboration between different stakeholders. The Board is confident that under his leadership, Fida will be able to further strengthen its impact both in Finland and internationally.
According to Arasalo, the position attracted considerable interest, and the Board’s decision was unanimous.
In his new role, Palmi will be responsible for Fida’s strategic leadership, international operations, domestic networks, and the continued development of the organisation in the years ahead.
Contact
Petteri Arasalo
Jyrki Palmi
