Jukka Kantola is a visionary and internationally recognised leader in the global bioeconomy, with more than 30 years of experience spanning industry leadership, entrepreneurship, and international policy advocacy across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He is the Founder of the World Bioeconomy Forum and the Chairman of the World Bioeconomy Association, where he serves as a central global voice advancing the circular bioeconomy agenda.
Throughout his career, Jukka has held senior executive roles in major international companies, including Stora Enso and Asia Pulp & Paper Group, where he led large-scale investments, market development, and government relations across Asia and Europe. Alongside his corporate leadership, he has founded and led several bioeconomy and biorefinery ventures, contributing directly to the development, financing, and implementation of innovative biomass-based solutions and new business models.
Jukka has played a pivotal role in translating bioeconomy principles into concrete outcomes. His work has focused on the sustainable valorisation of biomass, the creation of integrated biorefinery value chains, and the mobilisation of investments to accelerate the transition toward a circular bioeconomy.
Since founding the World Bioeconomy Forum in 2018, Jukka has grown bioeconomy into a globally recognised phenomen that convenes leaders from governments, industry, finance, research, and international organisations. Under his leadership, the Forum has addressed key global themes through its annual editions, including the launch of the first regional biostrategies in Latin America in Belém, Brazil (2021), climate-focused bioeconomy discussions contributing to high-level engagement at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh (2022), and the positioning of the bioeconomy as a global collaboration hub in Washington, D.C. (2023).
Jukka is a frequent speaker and contributor at high-level international events, including G20-related forums, UN Climate Conferences, and EU Presidency sustainability summits. He has been invited to participate in landmark global policy discussions, including bioeconomy panels at COP and international strategy launches, reflecting his role as a trusted bridge between industry, policy, and investment communities
In December 2024, Jukka led the official launch of the World Bioeconomy Association in Washington, D.C., registered in Finland, the Association serves as a global non-profit hub and advocacy platform, mobilising its worldwide network of members and Ambassadors to advance the bioeconomy. It also incorporates the World Bioeconomy Forum as part of its structure, aligning the Forum’s convening power with the Association’s non-profit mission.
Jukka holds a Master of Science degree from Aalto University, Finland, and an Executive MBA from Rutgers University. He is known for his open, trust-based leadership style, strong cultural sensitivity, and ability to inspire collaboration across complex international and multi-stakeholder environments.
