Kirsi Pere, MSocSc, has been appointed Head of Communications at the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE), effective 4 August 2025.
The Head of Communications, together with the communications team, is responsible for planning and managing both internal and external communications at the Centre. Ms Pere will also join the executive team.
Her predecessor, Markus Kokko, took up the role of Communications Director at the Finnish Ministry of Justice in April.
“Professional communication is a crucial part of Hybrid CoE’s activities, which is why I’m very happy to welcome an expert with Kirsi’s background and skills to our growing staff,” said Teija Tiilikainen, Director of Hybrid CoE. “As an international expert organization, Hybrid CoE must constantly develop its communications tools and methods to fulfil its mandate and reach its key audiences. With Kirsi’s leadership of the communications team, we’ll be able to respond to that challenge,” Dr Tiilikainen added.
Before joining Hybrid CoE, Ms Pere served as Senior Communications Manager at Finnfund, a Finnish development financier and impact investor. She has also held various positions at the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment, and has worked in consultancy and journalism. A native Finn, she has also gained international experience by studying and working in France, the UK, and Türkiye.
“Hybrid threats are more topical than ever, and Hybrid CoE plays a key role as a principal expert organization and partner in understanding and countering them. I’m delighted to join the Centre and look forward to working with our excellent team of experts, all Participating States, and other stakeholders,” Ms Pere commented.
Hybrid CoE’s mission is to enhance the security of its Participating States, the EU, and NATO by providing expertise, training, and networks to counter hybrid threats. The Centre is an autonomous hub for practitioners and experts, located in Helsinki, Finland.
More information: Kirsi Pere, kirsi.pere@hybridcoe.fi, tel. +358 40 620 9767
