Saara Lähtevänoja

Head of Process Technology and Research Analytics @ Valio

About

Innovative R&D leader with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. Currently heading three expert teams at Valio and contributing strategically as an active member of the R&D management team. Collaborative mindset, and strong technical competence in process and application development, especially related to enzyme and fermentation technologies and heat treatments. Passionate about turning science into large-scale solutions in cross-functional teams and exploring future-forward technologies and solutions through collaboration and strategic partnerships. As a leader, I want to inspire and encourage people to succeed and exceed their targets by providing clear direction, listening and responding actively, and building trust also in changing environment.

Country

Finland

City

Helsinki

Industry

Food Production

Skill

Biotechnology, Food Science, Leadership, Food Technology, Project Management, Research and Development (R&D), Process development, Thermal Processing, Enzyme Technology, Dairy Science

Experience

Head of Process Technology and Research Analytics

Valio

2023-11 - Present · 2 yrs 11 mos

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Leading three expert teams focused on research and process development, analytics and Valio’s IP portfolio. Driving both internal and external collaboration and actively exploring novel technologies and solutions through cooperation and strategic partnerships.

Technology Manager

Valio

2021-1 - 2023-11 · 2 yrs 11 mos

Manager of the Process Technologies team concentrating on the development and optimization of processes and applications and providing expertise in process analytics.

Senior Research Scientist

Valio

2019-8 - 2020-12 · 1 yr 5 mos

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland

Project manager of several long-term research and development projects especially related to production of fresh dairy products. Participating investment projects as technological advisor and providing technological support for international sales and licensing.

Research Scientist

Valio

2011-11 - 2019-7 · 7 yrs 9 mos

Helsinki, Southern Finland, Finland

Leading and participating different research and development projects focusing on thermal processsing and stability of dairy products. Exploration and evaluation of novel technologies.

Research Scientist

VTT

2010-6 - 2011-11 · 1 yr 6 mos

Espoo, Southern Finland, Finland

Development of microbial and enzymatic processes for biomass utilization. Enzyme production and purification with liquid chromatographic techniques and classical biochemical characterization and bioinformatic analysis of the enzymes.