Aki Tuovinen

Head of Product Development - Hardware (Swix) @ Brav

About

I am a creative and forward‑thinking sports‑industry professional with deep experience in product development, brand strategy, marketing, retail, wholesale, and athlete & performance‑centered communication. My work is guided by core values: trust as the foundation of collaboration, long‑term success over quick wins, and the power of strong team.Since 2001, I’ve also served as a sports speaker and commentator at major global events, from biathlon and XC skiing to ski jumping and athletics, bringing expertise and energy to audiences worldwide. I’ve also contributed written content to Hiihto (Cross Country Magazine).Currently, I lead Product Development - Hardware at Swix, driving the evolution of ski waxes, tools, and poles. I oversee production operations in Lithuania and Norway and contribute to the brand’s strategy as part of the Swix Global Management Team. My focus is on building sustainable growth, empowering teams, and ensuring Swix continues to set the standard in our industry.

Country

Finland

City

Jyväskylä

Industry

Retail

Skill

Written Communication, Strategic Partnerships, Market Knowledge, Cooperation, Consultative Selling, Sales Processes, Training, Team Management, Key Account Management, Negotiation, Sports, Sales, Sporting Goods, Retail, Marketing Strategy, Sports Marketing, Marketing Management, Sales Management, Marketing, Sponsorship

Experience

Head of Product Development - Hardware (Swix)

Brav

2023-11 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

Jyväskylä / Lørenskog (Oslo)

Leading the Swix ski poles, ski wax & tools product development teams. Enabler & sparring partner for the group of talented & dedicated product category managers, product developers, chemists, engineers & production. The member of the global Swix management team. Legal representative for Brav Finland Oy.

Sales Manager Finland & Distributors - Swix

Brav

2023-10 - 2023-12 · 3 mos

Swix wholesale for Finnish retail customers and Swix Distributors worldwide. Legal representative for Brav Finland Oy.

Country Manager

Brav

2015-6 - 2023-10 · 8 yrs 5 mos

Jyväskylä, Central Finland, Finland

Leading the wholesale operations for Brav - brands (Swix, Lundhags, Ulvang, Toko, Helsport & Brav Teamwear) in Finland. Legal representative (Brav Finland Oy)

Public Speaker

Vox Athletica Oy

2001-6 - Present · 25 yrs 4 mos

Finland

Speaker for huge, big, medium and small sized sports events. Experience on cross country skiing, ski jumping, track & field, triathlon, orienteering, biathlon, ice hockey, cycling... You name it!

Freelance Writer

Kustannus OY Juoksija / Hiihto -lehti

2007-8 - 2016-2 · 8 yrs 7 mos

Helsinki

Writing subsidiary for Finnish cross country skiing magazine (Hiihto). Specialized on equipment issues and person profiles.

Country Manager

Skiselector Sportdata AB

2014-10 - 2015-5 · 8 mos

Kuopio, Finland

Sales, marketing and development of the leading crosscountry ski measurement system and additional products & services.

General manager

Forte Sport OY

2007-7 - 2014-9 · 7 yrs 3 mos

Kuopio, Finland

Founder and owner of Forte Sport Ltd. Endurance sports shop concept and webstore with exceptional expertise and know-how.

Sales Manager

One Way Sport OY

2005-11 - 2007-6 · 1 yr 8 mos

Selling sporting goods for retailers, buying groups, pricing, participating on product development. Strong increase on sales during the period.

Team Manager (XC)

Osakeyhtiö Eloranta

2003 - 2005 · 2 yrs

Management of Rossignol Finland Racing Team, product testing, selling sporting goods for retailers, educating retailers, participating on product development. Product testing with world cup athletes. Preparing and executing wholesale marketing activities.

Regional XC Coach (IATOD)

Suomen Hiihtoliitto | Finnish Ski Association

2001-5 - 2003-4 · 2 yrs

Finland

Cross country ski coach for regional youth team in area 2. (Turku, Tampere, Pori). Coach / Leader of XC Team Finland in 2002 Scandinavian Youth Championships (Gjøvik, NOR) & 2003 European Youth Olympic Festival (Bled, SLO)