Leading with Purpose: Petra Havu’s Global Journey in Culture and Change
(Cover image by Kerttu Penttilä)
We had the privilege of interviewing Petra Havu, the CEO of Finnish Museums Association. Petra’s professional journey is characterised by leading with purpose and a fearless attitude. Our discussion was truly inspiring, opening up new worlds and perspectives on the role of museums in our society as a stabilising factor during challenging times.
I could not have survived without my EMBA cohort during the pandemic and the crisis at work.
Petra spoke about her background, including her studies in art history and political science at the University of Helsinki, and a year of study at the University of Edinburgh. She also mentioned that she had lived in Germany and worked for the UN Climate Change Secretariat before returning to Finland to raise her children.
A Diverse Career from Advocacy to Cultural Sector Leadership
Petra’s professional experience is impressive and spans diverse sectors. She worked with various interest groups in Finland, such as Akava and the Finnish Union of University Professors, before returning to the arts and culture sector. A major step in her career was being headhunted for her current position as CEO of the Finnish Museums Association.
The Finnish Museums Association Group has grown rapidly during Petra's tenure. Petra reformed the organisation's structures and reorganised the premises. The purpose of the organisation is to engage in advocacy and issue statements on behalf of museums. It represents museums both in Finland and abroad. The subsidiary company that maintains the Museum Card has nearly doubled its annual turnover during Petra’s time as CEO.
Leadership Challenges and the Transformative Impact of the Henley EMBA Global Studies
Petra spoke about the leadership challenges she faced when she started as a new CEO during the pandemic, a time when employees were working remotely and the organisation was experiencing significant turbulence due to the many changes that had to be implemented. During this challenging period at work, she decided to begin her Executive MBA studies at Henley Business School. She chose Henley for the valuable experience of studying at a global university and to expand her network beyond her workplace. The programme helped her navigate difficult leadership situations and gave her greater confidence as a leader.
As Petra said, “it was truly a life changing experience starting the EMBA studies in Henley Business School. I felt empowered and inspired. I could not have survived without my EMBA cohort during the pandemic and crisis at work.”
International Influence in the Museum Sector
In 2024, Petra took over the role of Chairperson of NEMO (Network of European Museum Organisations), an independent network established in 1992. She has represented NEMO in various international contexts, including the Council of Europe and UNESCO. Petra shared her perspective on the role of museums as both preservers and interpreters of cultural heritage. She also addressed the challenges museums have faced in recent years, such as political interference and funding cuts, particularly in Eastern Europe, and emphasised the importance of museums as stabilising forces and sources of reliable information within society.
Petra graduated in 2024 from the Henley Executive MBA global.
The next EMBA Global international group begins their 2-year journey in October 2025.
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