FLSmidth (FLS) has appointed Toni Laaksonen as chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately, following the departure of Mikko Keto.
Laaksonen joined the global mining technology and services provider in June 2025 as Service Business Line president. He takes over from Keto, who informed the company’s board in November 2025 of his intention to leave FLS to pursue another opportunity.
The appointment follows what the company described as a comprehensive internal and external recruitment process.
FLS said the leadership transition comes as the company moves beyond a period of restructuring and prepares to focus on its next phase of strategic and operational development.
According to the company, this phase will prioritise accelerating growth, strengthening commercial execution, improving customer experience, maintaining cost discipline and reinforcing organisational culture.
Laaksonen brings more than 15 years of international leadership experience in the mining technology and services sector, with a background in large-scale service and product operations and customer-focused organisations.
FLS chair Mads Nipper said Laaksonen’s appointment ensures continuity while supporting the company’s next stage of growth.
“I am extremely pleased that Toni has accepted the role as the next CEO of FLSmidth,” Nipper said.
“Toni is a highly capable leader with deep industry experience and a strong track record of driving profitable growth and improving operational excellence.
“Since joining FLSmidth, Toni has delivered solid results within the Service Business Line, clearly demonstrating the leadership capabilities, strategic insight and execution power required to unlock FLSmidth’s growth potential.”
Nipper said the company was well positioned for the future as the mining sector prepares for what many expect to be the next growth cycle.
“With a strong operational and financial foundation in place, I am very confident in Toni’s ability to build on this platform and lead FLSmidth to the next level,” he said.
Laaksonen said he was honoured to take on the leadership role and looked forward to working with the company’s global workforce.
“Having worked with and within the mining industry for close to two decades, I have long admired FLSmidth for its leading technologies, strong service offerings and highly skilled people,” he said.
“I thrive on driving strong commercial execution and continuous improvement in the customer experience, positioning FLSmidth to capture the exceptional opportunities that lie ahead.”
In addition to his new role as CEO, Laaksonen will temporarily continue as Service Business Line president while the company determines its future organisational structure.
Prior to joining FLS, Laaksonen served as president and CEO of Glaston Corporation, a technology and services provider to the global glass processing industry.
During his time at Glaston, the company expanded its service offerings and global customer support capabilities, while increasing service sales through a restructuring of its global sales and service organisation.
FLS thanked Keto for his contribution to the company and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.