M.Sc. (Eng.) Kari Renko is an Executive Vice President for Strategic Programs and a member of the Group Management Team of defence and technology company Patria.

Patria is an international provider of defence, security and aviation life cycle support services, technology solutions and pilot training. Patria employs over 3,000 professionals in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia, and Spain.

Prior to joining Patria, Kari did a long career in Finnish Defence Forces. He retired as a Major General (Eng.) from the position of the Chief of the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command at the end of June 2022, being responsible for the procurement, sustainment, and support of all defence materiel and the provision of logistic services to the Defence Forces. In his position he was also the Defence Forces’ Chief Engineer.

Kari had a prominent career in various positions in the Finnish Defence Forces. In addition to the Logistics Command, he held several management positions at the Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Headquarters and Karelia Air Command and has also served as an Assistant Defence Attaché in Washington D.C. with the responsibility for defence cooperation.

Kari holds a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering. He has co-authored a textbook on aircraft aerodynamics and flight mechanics.

Kari’s personal awards include the Cross of Liberty, 1st Class, and the Medal for Military Merits. He has been honoured with a Doctorate in Technology by Aalto University.