
Jari Pynnönen
"I like the fact that I have varied work tasks and challenges."
Who is Jari Pynnönen?
I am an old school CAD guy. In the 1980s, I worked in automation and electrical projects as a project engineer and later manager. Today, I live with my wife and our youngest daughter (16) in Kouvola, Finland. Our older children have already left the nest.
I have several hobbies: One is collecting vintage guitars and amplifiers, as my wife says, old rotten wood. I naturally also play the guitar, something I started as a 7-year-old. I have also worked as a diving instructor and have indulged in underwater photography. In winter, if possible, I like to go downhill skiing.
How and when did you end up at Cadmatic?
In the 1980s, we were doing some customizing of our engineering tools. A salesman from Kymdata visited our office. We discussed the applications for a few hours and two weeks later he called me to offer me a job.
I joined them in August 1989 and after a few months started developing electrical design software with my new colleagues. In August 2019, Cadmatic acquired Kymdata and its CADS software, at which point I became part of the Cadmatic family.
What is your current position and what are your most important tasks?
I started in my new role as Business Development Director on 10 February 2020. My previous position was Sales Director of Cadmatic Electrical & Automation. In my new role, I am responsible for the international business development of CADMATIC Electrical, as well as CADMATIC Electrical sales in our Swedish and Estonian offices.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
I think the most challenging aspect is the very diverse business areas we operate in, from Marine to Process & Industry to Construction. Time is always a challenge, there never seems to be enough of it. Being in this business entails life-long learning, but that is one of the reasons I like this job.
What do you like most about your work?
I like the fact that I have varied work tasks and challenges. Naturally, when we win cases or solve customers’ problems it provides me with a lot of pleasure. Also, the pleasant colleagues at Cadmatic create a positive atmosphere and working environment.
What do you think is the potential of Cadmatic in your responsibility areas?
Under the former CADS brand, we achieved the position of market leader in Finland and in Estonia for electrical design software. Now that we are part of Cadmatic, we have a bigger sales network and more resources. The comprehensive product offering with application integrations is naturally something that is important in the market.
I believe that we can expand our markets for electrical design software a lot. Of course, we must be patient and work systematically going ahead: the new brand and the new market areas come with their own set of challenges.
How has the acquisition of CADS by Cadmatic affected your work?
Previously, I was one of three owners and the Chairman of the Board. Besides my daily work, I had to think about the business as well. Now, the focus of my work is much narrower, and it suits me well. I have met a lot of our clients and without exception, I have received positive feedback from our customers regarding the acquisition. Naturally, they also see the bright future we all do!