The Hotel Maria Appoints New Board of Directors

Helsinki, 2 April 2025 - The Hotel Maria is pleased to announce the appointment of a new director to its Board of Directors. This appointment will help the Hotel consolidate its position as a figurehead in the Nordic luxury hotel sector. 

Effective immediately, Mrs. Berit Virtanen-Thewlis will become the new interim Chair of the Board. Virtanen-Thewlis is an experienced board professional with a strong track record in guiding leadership and strategy through change. Mr. Juha Mähönen, CEO and General Manager of The Hotel Maria, will continue in his role as Deputy Board Member. 

Mr. Mähönen said, “This is an exciting moment for The Hotel Maria. Demand for luxury tourism in Helsinki is growing, and there are few others that can offer guests such a luxurious lifestyle experience. The expertise of our new Board means that we are able to capitalise on our position and deliver exceptional stays to visitors from around the world.” 

The Hotel Maria is a newly redeveloped, five-star luxury hotel in Helsinki that has recently been included in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide. It is the first property in Finland to feature in this annual collection of the most prestigious hotels, restaurants and spas globally. Since its opening in December 2023, The Hotel Maria has also received widespread acclaim, including being featured on the Condé Nast Traveler 2024 Hot List and Travel + Leisure 2024 It List, as well as in some of the most esteemed press outlets around the globe, such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Vogue and Forbes. The hotel was also short-listed for the 2024 ‘Accommodation of the Year’ at the Finnish Travel Gala and has been selected to join the Historic Hotels Worldwide collection in recognition of the architectural and historic importance of the buildings.  

Mr. Mähönen added, “On behalf of the new Board, I’d like to thank former Chair, Mr. Samppa Lajunen, for all he has done. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”