Asko Saviaho

Photo: Tapio Mustasaari

Asko Saviaho

Director General 1998–2000

Asko Saviaho (1941– ) M.Sc. (Econ.) was an expert in public-sector financing and budgeting systems. He worked at the Ministry of Finance for years, handling the Post and Telegraph budget. He became Director-General of the financial administration department at the Post and Telecom, and Director-General at the Post in 1981. Saviaho was sociable and outspoken and an active reformer. He was Finland Post Corporation's Managing Director in 1994–1998 and CEO from 1998 until he retired in 2000.

Postal History in Finland

The cooperation agreement finished between Posti and Leonia (Postipankki) in 1999.
In 2000, one in three Finns handled their postal errands at a post office run by a private entrepreneur.
Most letters were sent by businesses. The number of letters with addressee information has decreased since 1999.
New mail distribution trolleys were introduced in the late 1990s.
The postal bus service Gold Line Oy was sold to Koiviston Auto Oy 1999.
Postal services had 42 electric cars in 2000, more than any other Finnish company.
2,590 million items delivered in 2000.
1,489 postal outlets in 2000.
Staff: 24,763 in 2000.

Finland

Strong economic growth, a Nokia-led technology boom.
Internet usage increased, email became an everyday tool.
Mika Häkkinen won the Formula 1 world championship in 1998 and 1999.
Kalle Palander won the world championship in slalom in 1999.
The TV series "Salatut Elämät" first broadcast in 1999.
The introduction of the euro in 1999.

Global Events

The first widespread email virus in 1999.
Vladimir Putin became Russia's Prime Minister in 1999 and President in 2000.