Graduated from the University of Tartu in 1989 with a degree in Economic Cybernetics, with honors. Afterward, he pursued doctoral studies but did not complete them. Since then, he has participated in various international leadership training programs to further his development.
He began his career as a programmer in 1988. In 1993, he was appointed Head of Treasury at the Estonian Investment Bank (Eesti Investeerimispank). Following the merger of Estonian Investment Bank and Forekspank in 1998, he became CFO and Board Member at Optiva Bank.
In 2001, he participated in the privatization of Narva Power Plants, serving as Financial Director for NRG Estonia and Narva Power Plants. In 2002, he joined AS Hansapank as Head of the Corporate Banking Division. From early 2008 until late 2014, he oversaw Swedbank’s operations in Estonia. Between 2015 and 2017, he was responsible for Swedbank’s activities in the Baltic countries, also being a member of Swedbank AB’s Group Executive Management.
In addition to his professional roles, he has held several public offices, including CEO of the Estonian Banking Association, Chairman of the Young Teachers’ Council (NGO Noored Kooli), and Member of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund’s Council, among other positions.