Global composites manufacturer Exel Composites has appointed Mika Kepponen as its new product manager for electrical products to help drive the adoption of insulating composites in the utility power infrastructure and machinery sectors. The appointment, effective from March 2025, centralizes Exel’s electrical offering and gives customers a qualified contact to collaborate with.
Kepponen brings a wealth of experience from his 27 years at Schneider Electric, where he held various leadership roles, including head of technical support, marketing manager, industry system integrator manager, industry field services leader, offer and product manager. These previous positions, his background as an electrician, and a degree in Electrical Engineering from Vaasa University of Applied Science, Finland, all combine for a strong foundation in both technical expertise and product management.
This well-rounded experience will be invaluable in overseeing Exel’s electrical product range — including insulator rods, insulated rail joints, and electrical tools — ensuring they meet the highest industry standards and certifications.
Kepponen’s appointment comes at a time when demand for composite solutions in the electrical sector is rising, driven by the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and the need for reliable, sustainable power transmission solutions.
“In this new role, my focus will be on strengthening Exel’s market position by working closely with customers to understand their specific needs and ensuring our composite solutions meet them effectively. As an industrial specialist in composites and electricals, I can serve as a bridge between customers and Exel’s products, helping to build a strong network with customers and internal teams,” said Kepponen.
Beyond his professional expertise, Kepponen is also a black belt in Korean martial art hapkido and a dedicated football team manager. He supports coaches and players of a local Finnish football club, where his ability to motivate, strategize, and collaborate with players from diverse backgrounds mirrors the skills he applies in his business management career.
“Exel is well-positioned to succeed in this market due to its high-volume, high-quality production capabilities and its flexibility in delivering custom composite solutions. Our insulating and non-ferrous fiberglass composites provide cost-efficient solutions engineered to meet the specific needs and requirements of industrial electrical equipment, such as AC motors, transformers, and tap changers” Kepponen continued.
Exel Composites’ senior product manager, Antti Hassinen, commented: “Mika’s extensive experience in electrical engineering, product management, and international business development makes him a valuable addition to the Exel team. There’s great potential for our electrical business offering, especially in the power distribution and transmission markets as lightweight, high-performance materials are increasingly in demand. Mika will be key to turning that potential into results.”
“If you have an application where you believe composites could offer a performance advantage, Exel is here to provide support and expertise,” concluded Kepponen.
To learn more about composites for electrical applications, get in touch with the Exel Composites team.
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