Our Employees

Hando Sutter has been leading the Estonian Employers’ Confederation team since October 2024. He represents the interests of the Confederation’s members in various organizations and advocates for legislation and the development of the business environment.

Hando Sutter has worked as a top executive for over 30 years and has led companies such as Eesti Energia, Nord Pool Spot, Olympic Entertainment Group, and others. He has also been a member of the Employers’ Confederation council and has led the Confederation’s education task force for several years.

Rivo contributes to the activities of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation and helps explain topics important to its members to the public. Previously, he worked for over 20 years in journalism, the majority of that time at Estonia’s leading business newspaper, Äripäev, where, in addition to his work as a journalist, he also managed various editorial teams and helped launch Äripäev’s radio. In his free time, he volunteers on various projects, engages in endurance sports, reads a lot, explores tea culture, and organizes tea ceremonies.​

Evelyn’s main responsibilities include carrying out communication activities necessary to promote the Confederation’s initiatives and goals, organizing internal communication, managing social media channels, and leading various international and domestic communication projects (such as “Annetame aega”). Evelyn has extensive experience in marketing and communication within the construction materials and real estate sectors.
In her free time, Evelyn enjoys experimenting with new recipes, honing her cooking skills and palate, making music, tending to her home garden, and embarking on exciting activities with her family.

Piia provides legal counsel to the Estonian Employers’ Confederation and its governing bodies and takes part in drafting legislation relevant to the confederation’s members. She coordinates the work of the labor market and health working groups of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation. Piia also represents the confederation as a board member of the Estonian Centre for Standardisation, is a member of the European Union Advisory Committee on the Free Movement of Workers, and serves as an alternate member of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work and its Advisory Committee. Previously, Piia worked in the Ministry of Justice’s Department of International Law and spent many years as chief legal counsel for a large company in the infrastructure and transportation sector. She graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tartu. In her free time, she enjoys all kinds of physical activities (from yoga to boxing), exploring medical literature, and watching motorsports.

Raul contributes to position papers and messaging through data analysis and oversees the activities of the economic development and taxation, environment and energy, and innovation working groups. Before joining the Employers’ Confederation, Raul worked as an analyst at the Tax and Customs Board. He holds a master’s degree in social sciences from Tallinn University of Technology. In his free time, he most enjoys spending time with his family, doing fitness activities, and fishing.

Kristi is responsible for international relations at the Estonian Employers’ Confederation. Her role is to relay important information from Europe and beyond, including updates from BusinessEurope, Business at OECD, the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), and European legislation. She has been involved with EU affairs for 15 years, having worked with the European Union Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament and spent the last five years in Brussels collaborating with various EU institutions and embassies. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and staying active with sports.

Kati coordinates and promotes the research, development, and innovation capabilities of Estonian companies. She is responsible for managing the product framework of the innovation ecosystem, “Innovation Ladder,” preparing and aligning materials needed for policy development in the R&D field, and organizing the activities of the Employers’ Innovation Launchpad and the “2% Club” for innovation-driven companies. Previously, Kati served as the CEO and development advisor for the Estonian Printing and Packaging Industry Association and led a startup in the medical field. In 2021, she earned a master’s degree from the University of Tartu’s School of Economics, and in 2022, she furthered her studies in the Swedish Institute Management Programme, focusing on sustainable business strategies and responsible leadership.

Ilona takes care of the Confederation’s team, the charming historic building, and daily operations. She organizes and oversees the successful execution of various events, both in the office and off-site. Previously, Ilona worked in the hospitality and tourism industries, starting her career as a receptionist and eventually managing the front office department. Today, she continues to create a pleasant and welcoming environment for both the Confederation’s office and its guests. In her free time, Ilona enjoys taking trips with her family both in Estonia and abroad. She has a great appreciation for good books and the cuisines of different countries.

Arnika is responsible for financial accounting, reporting, budgeting, and tax accounting as the CFO and chief accountant of the Confederation. She has a genuine passion for numbers and organizing them into systems. Arnika holds a master’s degree from the School of Economics at Tallinn University of Technology. In addition to her work at the Confederation, she is a certified auditor and oversees the financial accounting of several other companies. In her free time, she enjoys fitness activities—whether running, skiing, cycling, or walking, you can often find her on the health trails.

Külli handles the accounting for the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, ensuring that all transactions comply with Estonian laws and meet the accounting requirements of various projects. In addition, she is an active entrepreneur, providing accounting services and consultations to a wide range of Estonian companies and housing associations. Külli graduated from the Estonian University of Life Sciences with a degree in accounting and finance, and she has many years of experience in both private companies and local government. In her free time, she is committed to making her community safer and cleaner, and she values the importance of everyone being able to create something tangible with their own hands, not just with words.

For 19 years, Silja has been welcoming guests to the Confederation’s building with a cheerful attitude and a smiling face, making sure people want to return again and again. She is responsible for maintaining the building’s internal and external cleanliness. Before joining the Confederation, Silja worked for 26 years in the retail and hospitality sectors. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and taking walks in the forest or by the sea. Her closest friends are four-legged ones—she especially loves dogs.

Külliki is the welcoming hostess of the building, greeting all visitors and ensuring their stay is both memorable and comfortable. She is the go-to person for any information about events in the building, arranging food and drinks for guests, or assisting those interested in exploring the rental spaces available. Previously, Külliki ran her own business for 17 years. She graduated from Tallinn University of Technology with a degree in economics. In her free time, she enjoys taking care of her pets, has a keen interest in antiques, and is working on restoring her countryside home.