Announcements — 24/04/2025

Jan Vapaavuori joins Geradin Partners as Senior Counsel to strengthen regulatory and investment advisory

Geradin Partners is pleased to announce that Jan Vapaavuori will join the firm as Senior Counsel in May 2025. Vapaavuori has served as Mayor of Helsinki, Minister of Economic Affairs, and Vice-President of the European Investment Bank. He holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Helsinki and an honorary doctorate in economics from Hanken School of Economics.

The legal profession is undergoing fundamental change. Artificial intelligence is transforming how legal services are delivered, and regulatory information is becoming increasingly accessible. In this evolving environment, the ability to anticipate, interpret and apply legal frameworks in a value-adding way becomes ever more critical.

“As legal advisors, we act as strategic partners in our clients’ most important projects and processes. Our role requires a deep understanding of the regulatory, political and economic context—especially when advising on investment decisions or assessing legal risks,” says Damien Geradin, founding partner at Geradin Partners.

With Finland facing structural economic challenges, sustainable growth depends on smart, targeted investment. Geradin Partners aims to contribute to Finland’s investment attractiveness by offering legal advice grounded in deep regulatory expertise and multidisciplinary insight.

“We are expanding our service offering towards a fully integrated strategic advisory firm. By combining legal, policy and economic perspectives, we help our clients implement complex investments and navigate regulatory impact. Jan’s unique experience and perspective significantly strengthen this mission,” comments Mikko Alkio, partner at Helsinki office.

Vapaavuori comments:

“We are living in a world where regulatory environments are evolving rapidly—often unpredictably—both nationally and internationally. Thriving in such a setting requires a multidimensional and integrated approach. I look forward to combining my past experience together with Geradin Partners’ international perspective. The firm is committed to building solutions, not just interpreting rules. It’s an environment where I know I can also make a difference.”

Geradin Partners operates in five European jurisdictions and is known for its deep expertise in competition law, EU regulation, and highly regulated industries. Vapaavuori will especially focus on sectors of national and foreign investment and trade regulation. 

Contacts:

Jan Vapaavuori – tel. +358-40-8307054

Mikko Alkio – tel. +358-50-4135502