Kari Takanen

VADM Kari Takanen retired from the Finnish Defence Forces in 2017, after 40 years of service. He is a naval officer who has held various posts both on naval vessels and on shore, including Commanding Officer and Squadron Commander positions. His shore duties in the Finnish Navy included a variety of roles at Navy Headquarters, Commander of the Archipelago Sea Naval Command and Commander of the Finnish Navy.

VADM Takanen has also served in various joint positions in the Finnish Defence Forces at the Defence Command, including as Aide-de-camp to the Chief of Defence, Chief of Readiness, Chief of Plans and Policy. His most recent position prior to retirement was Chief of Defence Command, including being the deputy to the Chief of Defence.