Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems and system integrator, has appointed Simo Mäkipaja as its new Chief Sales Officer (CSO). With more than 25 years of experience in the defence and technology industries, Mäkipaja will lead the company’s global sales activities and support its continued international expansion.
Mäkipaja joins Milrem Robotics from Reaktor, where he served as Chief Sales Officer, Defence and Security. Previously, he was the co-founder and held the position of Director of Sales and Business Development at SensorFleet. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly 19 years at Finnish defence company Patria, progressing through engineering, project management and sales positions to become Senior Vice President of Business Development, Systems at Patria.
Throughout his career, Mäkipaja has led international sales and business development activities involving defence and government customers, as well as industrial cooperation with major systems integrators in Europe and North America.
“Milrem Robotics has established itself as a leading company in military robotics, with our systems already in service or part of robotics programmes in 21 countries. We have evolved from a provider of unmanned ground vehicles into a systems integrator offering complete robotic capabilities, including the command-and-control solutions needed to coordinate unmanned assets on the battlefield,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “This evolution opens up new business opportunities but also requires a different approach to sales, partnerships and customer relationships. Simo’s extensive experience in international defence sales and business development will be instrumental in taking the company through its next stage of growth.”
As Chief Sales Officer, Mäkipaja will oversee Milrem Robotics’ global sales organisation, development of relationships with existing and prospective customers, and lead efforts to secure new international programmes. His appointment comes as the company increasingly focuses on delivering integrated robotic systems rather than individual unmanned platforms.
“Milrem Robotics has built an impressive portfolio of robotic systems and, importantly, has demonstrated their value in real military operations. The company is well-positioned to respond to the growing demand for unmanned capabilities, and I see significant opportunities to build on its existing customer relationships and expand into new markets,” saidMäkipaja. “I look forward to working with the team and our international partners to turn these opportunities into long-term business.”
Mäkipaja holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Tampere University of Technology. He has also served on the boards of the Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries association and UVS International.
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