Mr Olli-Pekka Heinonen started his tenure as the eighth Director General of the International Baccalaureate (IB) in May 2021.
Globally recognized as a leader in education, Mr Heinonen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of educational systems development and innovation to the IB.
Between 2016–2021, Olli-Pekka served as the Director General of the Finnish National Agency for Education. The core tasks of the Agency include developing education and training, early childhood education and lifelong learning. The Agency also prepares education policy decisions and supports the development and promotion of internationalization within the Finnish education system.
Prior to leading the National Agency for Education, Olli-Pekka held various positions in the Finnish Government, including State Secretary between 2012–2016 and Minister of Education and Science between 1994–1999. He also held various senior commercial roles in the Finnish National Broadcasting Company between 2002–2012.
Olli-Pekka is actively engaged with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other international organizations, where he contributes views on the future of education, including personalized and lifelong learning, the impact of technology and the development of educators. He is also a regular speaker in global educational forums.
His vision for global education is strongly aligned with the vision and values of the IB. He brings broad leadership and team-building experience and a focus on developing organizations to operate effectively in a rapidly changing environment.
Olli-Pekka graduated with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Helsinki in 1990.