ICS Nordic, founded by Ilkka Hynninen and Ilkka Rahkonen, has expanded its team as it scales its ability to deliver premium scripted series for the global market.
ICS Nordic recently wrapped production on Blood & Sweat, a co-production with Japan’s WOWOW and AX-ON being sold globally by Boat Rocker Studios, and is working with Brendan Foley to adapt Operation: Arctic Fox.
Kaarina Leinonen, an experienced screenwriter, has been named head of drama and development. Laura Ahola has come on board as a staff producer following eight years at Mediawan Finland. Sonja Hammaren has been named CFO, and Salli Leikola joins as legal counsel.
Rahkonen, co-founder and CEO, noted, “We have been building ICS Nordic with the ambition to create a modern production company from Finland that combines bold creative vision with strong execution and international scalability. These appointments are a major step forward for us. Kaarina brings exceptional creative depth and development expertise, Laura strengthens our production capability at a pivotal moment of growth, and Sonja and Salli add the financial and legal rigour essential for long-term expansion. With three series and four feature films currently in production, it is especially important that we continue to strengthen the company in a way that supports both creative ambition and operational excellence. Together, these hires make us better equipped to develop ambitious IP, deliver at a high level, and build stories that travel.”
“This role gives me the opportunity to apply my experience in developing new forms of storytelling at a time when ideas must be built as scalable IP from the very beginning,” Leinonen said. “My background as a screenwriter, educator, and development thinker allows me to approach stories through close creative collaboration. I’m excited to work with the remarkable ICS team and international partners to develop bold, globally scalable stories.”
