Markus Kokko, MSSc, MBA, has been appointed Head of Communications at the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats from 17 May 2021.
His predecessor, Päivi Tampere, moved to the Prime Minister’s Office of Finland to lead the recently established Strategic Communications Team.
The Head of Communications, together with his team, is responsible for planning and running the internal and external communications at the Centre, the publication process, media relations, strategic communications, and crisis communications preparedness.
“We warmly welcome Markus to the international staff at the Centre. His diverse expertise in the field of communications and extensive international experience broadly support the development of the Centre’s communications,” says Hybrid CoE Director Teija Tiilikainen.
Markus Kokko worked as Counsellor for Press and Culture at the Embassy of Finland in Tokyo from 2015 to 2020. Prior to that, he worked as Director of Finnfacts, a not-for-profit international communications arm of the Finnish industrial and business sectors, and in various positions at the Economic Information Office, TAT. He has also gained international experience by studying and working in France, Spain, the United States, and Australia.
“Countering hybrid threats is a topical and expanding domain where the importance of international cooperation is undisputed,” says Kokko. “I’m very happy and motivated to join the Centre’s team of leading specialists, helping to safeguard our democratic societies and strengthen their comprehensive security.”
Hybrid CoE is an independent international Centre enhancing Participating States’ capabilities to counter hybrid threats. It does so by sharing best practices, testing new ideas and approaches, and providing training and exercises. The Centre currently has 28 Participating States. Participation is open to all EU member states and NATO allies.
