This week, we’re spotlighting Karri Linnoinen, Chief Data Officer at the Nordic Investment Bank. Leading the Business Intelligence and Data Architecture team, he works directly at the crossroads of technology, strategy, and finance. His day-to-day focus involves executing the bank’s AI roadmap, evaluating how new systems alter the broader data landscape, and tackling hands-on technical obstacles alongside internal teams. Looking ahead, he views the future of the field as one driven by practitioners who seamlessly integrate human judgment with advancing AI capabilities.
Hyperight.com: What’s the best way to describe your job to someone outside tech?
I help make sure that the bank’s data is trustworthy, understandable and usable. That means building the foundations that allow people to make better decisions and ensuring that new technologies, including AI, are adopted responsibly and help to implement the bank’s vision.
Hyperight.com: What originally sparked your interest in AI/data, and what keeps you inspired today?
I have always enjoyed solving complex problems and finding patterns that are not immediately visible. Data provides a way to turn those patterns into insight and action. What keeps me inspired is how quickly the field evolves. There is always something new to learn, but the real motivation comes from applying that learning to practical challenges.
Hyperight.com: What is one challenge you’re trying to solve, and why does it matter? 
A key challenge is moving from experimenting with AI to using it safely and effectively in everyday work. This requires more than technology. It also needs reliable data, clear governance, appropriate controls and user trust. Getting that combination right matters because it allows us to create value while remaining transparent and accountable.
Hyperight.com: A tool you can’t live without (tech or not)?
A whiteboard, physical or digital. It is often the fastest way to turn a complicated discussion into a shared understanding. Once people can see the problem and how its pieces connect, finding a solution becomes much easier.
Hyperight.com: What trend in data or AI do you think will shape the Nordic region the most?
The shift from AI assistants to agentic AI will have a major impact. Systems will increasingly be able to coordinate tasks – for example data engineering – use organisational domain knowledge and interact with other tools. In the Nordics, adoption will be shaped by our strong emphasis on innovation.
Hyperight.com: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to others entering the data and AI field?
Build strong fundamentals, learn how to work with AI, not just how AI works. The professionals who will create the most value are those who can combine strong fundamentals in data, technology and critical thinking with the ability to collaborate effectively with AI tools. Use AI to accelerate learning, explore ideas, automate routine tasks and challenge your own assumptions, but never stop developing your own judgement. Technology will continue to evolve, while curiosity, problem-solving skills and understanding business needs will remain timeless. The future belongs to people who can combine human expertise with AI capabilities to achieve outcomes neither could deliver alone.
