Finland’s productivity and economic growth have stalled for years, while the gap with Sweden and Denmark has widened. AI could help reverse this trend, but only if companies use it to drive growth rather than simply improve efficiency. As VALOR’s newly appointed Principal, Tomi Torri will help our clients unlock AI’s potential for growth.
Tomi brings three decades of experience in building international technology businesses. Most recently, he founded and led Sisua Digital as CEO from 2019 to 2026 and remains a shareholder and board member.
At Sisua Digital, Tomi and his team delivered automation services to more than 100 corporate clients across four continents, helping companies transition from robotic process automation (RPA) to AI. Earlier, as a partner at a Finnish strategy consultancy, he worked with top management on growth strategies for companies owned by private equity and investment firms, before leading the firm’s knowledge-work automation practice. Before that, he held senior international leadership positions at companies including Sonera, Digital Chocolate and News Corporation’s Fox Mobile.
“Our study with the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK earlier this year showed that the boards of large Finnish companies saw AI primarily as a tool for efficiency. EK’s autumn survey confirms the picture: only one in ten companies is using AI to create new business. Tomi’s experience from both the knowledge-work automation shift and building an international growth company strengthens our ability to help boards and executive teams take AI all the way to growth,” says Henrikki Palva, Managing Partner at VALOR.
According to Tomi Torri, this requires business leaders to take a longer-term view.
“The AI shift will play out over years, and nobody has a ready-made map. Waiting is still the worst option. Pilots and quick wins are a good start, but they won’t transform the business. AI changes a company only when the company changes how it works. And the further ahead you can see, the bolder the steps you dare to take. That is where we help.”
Tomi sees the greatest opportunity in growth rather than efficiency.
“AI will make almost every company more efficient – including your competitors. That keeps you in the game, but it won’t put you ahead. What puts you ahead is doing something new with AI, not just doing the old things faster. So, give the machine the work that doesn’t grow the business, and give your people the time it frees up – and AI – to grow it.”
VALOR’s independence and approach to working with clients were key reasons why Tomi decided to join the company.
“Boards need a sparring partner whose sole interest is the client’s success. VALOR brings together sharp analytical minds and the extensive networks of seasoned business leaders. That is exactly the combination needed to navigate the AI transformation. I feel at home among people who get it the first time.”