Janne Virkkunen
Senior Editor-in-Chief, Helsingin Sanomat, Helsinki

Janne Virkkunen studied at the University of Helsinki, Faculty of Political Science, and at the Sanoma School of Journalism. He began his career in journalism in 1972 as a staff writer for domestic news, politics and parliament at the leading Finnish newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat. In 1977, he became the daily’s assistant editor for politics and parliament and in 1985 its managing editor. From 1989-90, he was editor-in-chief (news). In 1991, he was appointed senior editor-in-chief of Helsingin Sanomat. Mr. Virkkunen served as chairman of the Association of Political Journalists in Finland from 1981-83, and has been a member of the Editorial Committee of the Finnish Newspaper Association since 1994. In 1999-2006 he was a member of the board of Sanoma Corporation. A member of IPI since 1989, he was named IPI chairman in June 2008.