Niina Ilola appointed as TAKU’s new Executive Director

Niina Ilola has been appointed as the new Executive Director of TAKU, the trade union for professionals in the arts and cultural sector. She will take up the position on 24 August 2026.

The TAKU board has appointed Niina Ilola as the organisation’s new Executive Director. Ilola brings extensive experience from the cultural sector, working life and political advocacy. She joins TAKU from the European Parliament, where she has served as Head of Cabinet to Li Andersson.

“Niina Ilola’s background combines experience from the highest levels of politics with hands-on experience from the independent arts scene. This unique combination of expertise brings a fresh perspective to TAKU’s leadership. I am confident that under Niina’s leadership, we can further strengthen the representation of our members’ interests, promote unionisation across the arts and cultural sector, and develop our work towards a better working life,” says Piia Lääveri, Chair of the TAKU Board.

Ilola sees the position as an opportunity to contribute not only to the future of the arts and cultural sector, but also to wider societal development.

“It is great to have the opportunity to work towards improving the working conditions and representation of professionals in the arts and cultural sector. I strongly believe that investing in employee wellbeing and a better quality of working life will strengthen not only the future of the cultural sector, but society as a whole,” says Niina Ilola.

The position attracted significant interest, with a total of 90 applicants.

Niina Ilola will begin her role as TAKU’s Executive Director on 24 August 2026.