Firstbeat Technologies
Meet some of the team
Joni Kettunen Ph.D. (1999; Behavioural Psychology)
Joni is co-founder and Chief Executive of Firstbeat Technologies Ltd. His lifelong commitment to optimising performance and recovery in sport and health is clearly seen in the way Firstbeat and its talented young team has progressed as a company. Joni has an undoubted passion for developing methods and services to help people improve the quality of their lives. Practising what he preaches he enjoys exercise and keeping fit.
Aki Pulkkinen M.Sc. (Exercise Physiology)
Aki is co-founder of Firstbeat Technologies Ltd. He has a dual role at Firstbeat as Product Manager and Director of the Firstbeat physiology team. He has a strong background in exercise physiology and a great understanding of the end users needs. He enjoys cross-country skiing, previously having competed at a high level of competitive sport. Aki is currently the personal coach of Finnish top sprint skier Kalle Lassila. She is aiming for an Olympic medal at the Vancouver Olympics 2010.
Aku Kalajo M.Sc. (Economy)
Aku is the Research and Development Manager at Firstbeat and is responsible for system solution and software development. He has great experience in software development, project management and product & concept management. He has 9 years experience working in the software industry. Aku enjoys golf, cross-country skiing and DIY.
Tiina Hoffman M.Sc. (Exercise Physiology)
Tiina is the Health and Wellness Specialist at Firstbeat and is also responsible for international client support and user training for Firstbeat HEALTH. She is a former cross-country skiing coach at the University of Alaska and she has worked as project researcher at the Research Institute for Olympic Sports and the University of Jyväskylä Tiina still loves cross-country skiing and she also enjoys kayaking and soccer.
Veli-Pekka Kurunmäki B.Sc. (Exercise Physiology)
Veli-Pekka is currently studying for his Masters Degree. His thesis is focusing on Coaching and Fitness Testing. He is an Exercise Physiologist at Firstbeat and is responsible for the sales and marketing of Firstbeat SPORTS software. Veli-Peka is involved in delivering Firstbeat to a number of professional sporting organizations ranging from Mclaren Formula 1 to NHL teams. Veli-Pekka is a very accomplished cross-country skier having competed previously at a national level.
Heikki Rusko Ph.D. (Exercise Physiology)
Heikki is a co-founder of Firstbeat Technologies Ltd. He is Professor of Exercise Physiology and Sport Technology in the Dept. of Biology of Physical Activity at the University of Jyväskylä. Prof. Rusko has an extensive career in research (e.g. the altitude house innovation and neuromuscular determinants of endurance performance). He has developed heart rate variability-based methods to detect overtraining in athletes and work stress in employees. He spent 13 years as Scientific Director of the Research Institute for Olympic Sports. Heikki’s other interest include cross-country-skiing and orienteering.
