New Roadie Arrivals 09/26

New month, new Roadies! This September, our crew grew by two: we were thrilled to welcome Ilona aboard, while also celebrating the return of a Roadie Retourné as Miika rejoined the ranks.

Miika Kanerva

Consultant, Development

Hi Miika, how did you get good at what you do?

For a decade, I've been programming and building various software projects throughout my Computer Science studies at Aalto University and my professional career. My work has ranged from video games to a registration platform, as well as several client projects during my time at Columbia Road from 2018 to 2021.

Since then, I co-founded a small indie game studio where I served as the programmer, developing and publishing two PC games. Alongside that, I've also done console porting work through another game company I co-founded with my close friends, where we helped our clients bring their games to all console platforms.

Welcome back! What made you decide to make a comeback?

My previous experience with Columbia Road made it an easy decision to apply to the team again. The chance to continuously learn and work on complex client projects is always important, but the people and the company culture are something that made me want to rejoin the team. Having attended several alumni events over the past few years, in a way, it almost felt like I never left.

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

Plenty of things! On the activity side, I've been into bouldering for several years now, and I've also recently started running more. Games have also been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, so I spend a lot of time both playing and making video games.

I also get together with friends for regular board game nights. Otherwise, I enjoy spending time with my wife, our cat, and our friends, whether that's trying out new restaurants, cooking new recipes together at home, or starting a new show.

Ilona Pirhonen

Managing Consultant, Strategy

Hi Ilona, how did you get good at what you do?

My background is in the travel industry, with roles in driving revenue and business growth. As travel was one of the first industries to start selling online, I got into digital sales early on. What started as renewing pricing models and the customer experience on websites later became large-scale digital channel transformations, brand renewals, and the drive for continuous growth through digital sales and marketing. At some stage, further growth required data and more sophisticated martech tools, which led me into marketing automation and personalised customer experiences.

Digitalisation of sales has always been about transformation and leading change. Navigating new ways of thinking and working, new technologies and new needs for talent has kept me in constant learning – sometimes by trial and error. And last but not least, I have learned from (and about) people. I'm grateful and inspired by the people who have trusted me and given me responsibility, and by the talented teams and colleagues who have given me so many new insights! 

Why Columbia Road?

In my previous roles, I have had the chance to work with consultants from Columbia Road on various projects. I have always been impressed by the people – no matter the project, the Roadies have always been super talented and business-oriented. What makes Columbia Road different from other agencies is the clear focus on driving business growth and truly solving problems together with the customer.

When I found myself considering consulting as the next step in my career, Columbia Road was the natural first choice. I look forward to using my expertise to help businesses in different industries sell better!

What makes your heart beat a little faster?

I love the sea and the archipelago, and some 10 years ago I got myself a vacation home – a little house by the sea that has stood there for 150 years. Previously, I was not really a handy person, but an old house combined with my curiosity to learn new things and my killer project management skills has turned me into quite the DIY renovator. 

Building something physical with your hands is a good counterbalance to working with long, digital projects.