Mikko Simolinna, b. 1946
Chairman of the Board
mikko.simolinna - at - usd.fi

Mikko Simolinna is the founder of the United Software Distributors group: United Software Distributors Oy in 2002, Sybase Finland Oy in 1994 and Infobuild Oy (former Inforan Oy) in 1986.

He served as the CEO in Sybase Finland until 1999 and InfoBuild until 1994. Today Mikko Simolinna holds the Chairman’s position in all these companies. He has an educational background in studies of Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Technology in Helsinki University (Finland) and Uppsala University (Sweden).

Prior to starting his career as an entrepreneur Mikko Simolinna was the COO of Datema Finland Oy, subsidiary of Datema Ab, then the largest IT-service company in Nordic countries. He has spent altogether 14 years at different positions in IT-companies both in Finland and in Sweden before founding Inforan Oy.

In addition to being the Chairman of the Board of the United Software Distributors companies Mikko Simolinna serves on the Board of Directors at other companies, as well as the Chairman of the Board of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises country wide organization of more than 110.000 entrepreneurs. Mikko Simolinna has also served as an elected official in several public councils. His hobbies include farming, hunting and downhill skiing. He is married to Elina, and the couple has three children.

Svein Hana, b. 1944
Member of the Board
svein - at - hana.no

Svein Hana is a Norwegian citizen and the founder of Sybase Norge AS in 1989 and Sybase Sverige AB in 1992. Svein Hana is also co-founder of the United Software Distributors group in 2002, and Sybase Finland Oy in 1994. He served as a board member of Sybase Finland until 1999. Today Svein Hana holds the Chairman's position in his own family owned company Informasjonsteknisk Forum AS, Norway. His background is Science and Information Technology and he holds an MBA degree in Norway.

Prior to starting his career as an entrepreneur Svein Hana worked for 10 years in different industries as a management consultant. He founded his first software company Datus AS in 1982. The company was a distributor and representative for Information Builders Inc. in New York. Svein has more than 25 years of experience at different positions in IT-companies in Norway, Finland and in Sweden.

In addition to being on the Board of Directors at the United Software Distributors companies Svein Hana has ownership and has principal positions in several other companies both in Norway and USA

Jari Valvisto, b. 1953
Member of the Board

Jari Valvisto joined Infobuild as Managing Director in July 2008 and Sybase in September 2009. He holds Master of Science degree in Telecommunications from Helsinki University of Technology.

Prior to joining InfoBuild Jari was Solutions Manager of Dell Finland responsible for server, storage and services business lines. Jari has over 20 years of executive experience in the ICT industry in positions as Partner of Virtanen Consulting, Vice President of Stonesoft, and Managing Director of TietoEnator Technology.

Jari lives in Helsinki and Porvoo with his wife. In the summer he enjoys sailing, the other hobbies include cross country skiing and cooking.

Markku Kivelä, b. 1944
Member of the Board, Baltic companies
markku.kivela - at- infobuild.fi

Markku Kivelä founded InfoBuild Oy (former Inforan) with Mikko Simolinna in 1986, and currently serves as the Director of Baltic Operation for United Software Distributors Oy. Markku holds a Bachelor of Science degree with major in mathematics from Helsinki University.

Prior to founding InfoBuild, Markku had become familiar with Information Builders' solutions during his 13-year tenure in Kansallis-Osake-Pankki. He began his IT career with Valtion Tietokonekeskus as an assembler programmer.

Markku has always been an inthusiastic athlete, which is illustrated by his personal marathon record of 2.45,12. He has also held the position of a technical delegate with FIS (International Skiing Federation) and received a medal of honor from the Finnish Skiing Federation. Markku has also fulfilled his great dream of moving back to and becoming a forest owner in his native territory Kokkola. He spends his spare time in forestry work and watching birds at his summerhouse together with his fiancée.

United Software Distributors Oy is owned by the founders, key management members and some of the employees. Principal owner is Mr. Mikko Simolinna.