Äikäs has headed SEB’s Baltic division and has been a member of the group executive committee since 2021. She joined SEB in 2008 and has held senior leadership positions within the bank, including head of large corporates coverage in Finland and head of SEB in Shanghai. As country manager of SEB in Finland, she will become a member of SEB’s senior leadership committee, transitioning from her current role on the group executive committee.

“Niina has successfully led the development of our Baltic business during the past years, including the ongoing important merger of our three Baltic banks into one legal entity. With her extensive experience and strong understanding of both the Nordic and Baltic markets, she is exceptionally well suited to lead our continued development in Finland,” Johan Torgeby, president and CEO of SEB, said in a statement this week.

Gutauskait-Bubnelien, who is succeeding Niina Äikäs as head of Baltic division, joined SEB in 1999. Her senior leadership positions have including head of Baltic retail banking. Since 2021, she has served as country manager and CEO of SEB Lithuania and will continue in that role during the Baltic merger.

“With more than 25 years at SEB and proven leadership skills across the Baltic organisation, Sonata has successfully led our business in Lithuania, delivered strong results and driven important transformation initiatives. I look forward to working closely with her in this new role as we continue to develop our business across the Baltics,” Torgeby said.

The appointments are subject to relevant regulatory approvals and are expected to take effect on 1 September 2026.

The banking group offers financial advice and a wide range of financial services. In Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and the UK, the firm concentrates on corporate and investment banking based on a full-service offering to corporate and institutional clients. It also offers private banking and wealth management services, such as in the UK. SEB is present in more than 20 countries worldwide, with around 18,400 employees. At 30 June 2026, the Group's total assets amounted to SEK4,355 billion ($453.84 billion) with total AuM of SEK3,069 billion. 

See a senior appointment here from 2024.