The Tallinn City Government has appointed Mart Luik as the Business Director of Tallinn. Luik was selected in a public competition and will start working as the head of Enterprise Service of the Tallinn Strategic Management Office on 24 May.

Mart Luik considers his most important tasks to be leading the transformation of Tallinn into a preeminent digital capital, supervising companies in which the city has a stake, promoting dialogue with private companies, supporting start-ups, and bringing the circular economy to a level comparable to the Nordic capitals.

"The team of experts in the Enterprise Board has done an excellent job in supporting and advising start-ups and small businesses as well as marketing Tallinn in the world. Tallinn, the engine of Estonian development, should have an attitude that values entrepreneurship so that entrepreneurs can consider the city as a good partner. Tallinn is a fantastic brand and there is great growth potential in expanding the city's international image. One of the most important focuses is the relaunch of the tourism industry in order to continue bringing major events to Tallinn after the coronavirus crisis, be it international conferences, sports competitions or cultural events," said Mart Luik.

Before starting in his new position, Mart Luik will resign his current position as the Deputy Chairman of the Tallinn City Council as well as resigning as the leader of the Isamaa group in the City Council. He will also not run in the local elections in the autumn. "I will remain a member of the party, but I will leave the active politics," said Luik.

Mart Luik graduated from the University of Tartu with a BA in journalism and is completing his studies at the University of Cumbria in Great Britain. He has previously worked as the CEO of the daily newspaper Postimees, the magazine publishing company Ajakirjade Kirjastus and of the TV channel TV3. In addition, he has experience as a media executive in Russia, Slovenia and Ukraine. He recently worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an adviser to the Minister.

A public competition was held for the position of Tallinn Director of Business. A total of 39 people applied for the position and the competition was conducted in three stages. The selection board made its decision on the basis of a panel discussion, activities to date, vision and interview. The selection committee comprised of City Chancellor Kairi Vaher, Deputy Mayor Aivar Riisalu, City Human Resources Director Vilve Raik and the external expert Paavo Nõgene.

Photo: Ilja Matusihis, Pealinn