Career Stories19.11.2025

Career journeys leading back to Marioff

Marioff has been a steppingstone for many careers, shaping professionals in fire protection and beyond. For some, it has also been a place to return to after gaining experience elsewhere.

Lydia Baudry and Lassi Vesalainen were among those who left, developed their skills in new roles, and later decided to return. Their connections with Marioff remained strong over the years, making the return natural and rewarding. What drew them back? An inspiring team spirit, career growth opportunities, and a company culture that values expertise and innovation that excited them both. Let’s explore their career journeys, what their return has meant for them, and how they see the future at Marioff.

Lassi Vesalainen, Senior Manager, Projects, Land Business at Marioff

  • Started at Marioff in 2014 as a Project Engineer after completing his master’s thesis at Aalto University.
  • Transitioned into a Project Manager role within a year, discovering his passion for managing large-scale projects.
  • Later shifted to Subcontracting Manager.
  • Returned to Marioff when a new opportunity aligned with his skills and passion for project management. Believes that team spirit, consistent leadership, and shared goals make Marioff a company worth returning to.

Lydia Baudry, Office Manager, Marioff France

  • Joined Marioff France in 2002 as one of the first employees of the newly established French business unit.
  • Started as a Sales Assistant but quickly transitioned into office management.
  • After 16 years, moved to new industries..
  • Rejoined Marioff as an Office Manager, drawn back by the company’s global presence and cutting-edge technology.

Early career days from university to Marioff

Lassi first joined Marioff in 2014. He had just finished his master’s thesis at Aalto University and was interested in working in the Finnish Maritime Cluster. Marioff had a few exciting openings on the Marioff Marine team for Project Manager and Project Engineer roles, and Lassi decided to apply for both.

“I wasn’t sure which would fit my interests and skills the best. The hiring manager understood my situation well and advised me to apply for the Project Engineer position to strengthen my engineering skills and get further experience in project business while working closely with Project Managers. Within a year, I knew I wanted to manage projects.”
After two years as a Project Manager, Lassi moved on to another role with Marioff’s Marine team as Subcontracting Manager.

“In four and a half years, I had three different roles and learned much about engineering, project management, leadership, and working in a global team with subcontractors. This path greatly shaped my professional development and future interests,” Lassi states.

A career start with rich experiences

Lydia’s career at Marioff began even earlier. In 2002, she joined Marioff France, just as the French business unit was established.

“At the start, we were a small team – just five people. I began as a Sales Assistant, but my role soon expanded into Office Management, covering finance, HR, payroll, insurance, and premises management. Creating and developing Marioff’s Land activity was a real challenge with pitfalls but a rich and intense experience. Above all, it was a great adventure.”

Gaining new perspectives and skills

Leaving Marioff was not an easy decision for either Lassi or Lydia.

“I had never planned to leave, as I was pleased with our team, my role, and my supervisor. By chance, I heard about an interesting new role in another company – an opportunity to create something from scratch and strengthen collaboration between subsidiary companies within a global group. In this new role, I gained new leadership and project portfolio management skills – skills that now benefit me back at Marioff,” Lassi praises.

Lydia’s departure was driven by structural changes following acquisitions. For Lydia, 16 years and a vast array of experiences at Marioff demonstrated her ability to adapt to completely different fields, and she transitioned to an architectural firm specializing in luxury retail renovations. She later joined a company supplying materials for fire protection – where Marioff was one of the clients.

The return to Marioff

So, what inspired these two professionals to return to Marioff? Lassi and Lydia maintained relationships and connections with former colleagues and followed the company over the years working elsewhere. When the right opportunities opened at Marioff, returning was an easy choice.

Lydia, seeking new challenges, saw an opening for an Office Manager role and applied without hesitation.

“I knew Marioff and the products, and several colleagues were still present in the company. I had a certain attachment to the company regarding the products and the technology. These are still the key things that elevate Marioff from competitors and are great things to work with every day,” says Lydia.

Lassi, in turn, heard from an old Marioff colleague about an opening that might interest him, and after reviewing the job application, he instantly decided to apply.

“In a way, I never left Marioff. Even before joining another company, I knew I wanted to return one day. We kept in touch with many of my old Marioff colleagues occasionally. The friendships we form at work are real and can last a lifetime, and a strong company culture helps to create and support them,” Lassi says.

Upon rejoining, both found a familiar yet evolving Marioff.

“Returning felt natural, and I also discovered a more globally connected company than before, with operations spanning all four corners of the world,” says Lydia.

“The same Marioff spirit I experienced in the Marine team was just as strong in the Land business. There is great support throughout the company, and you are never alone, no matter how challenging the tasks are. Working with my new colleagues towards an even more unified Land business has been very rewarding,” adds Lassi.

Strong Marioff raises strong professionals

In 2025, Marioff celebrates its 40th anniversary. Lassi and Lydia believe that the company’s commitment to innovative solutions and pioneering in the field gives it a great advantage over the competition. Marioff is heading in a very encouraging direction.

“One thing stays strong: Marioff’s HI-FOG technology is still exceptional. It is an innovative technology of the future,” states Lydia.

“The continuous positive drive and consistent leadership also play a major role in our success. We have a superb team with a huge amount of expertise, and we are all working together to achieve the best possible outcome because we believe in it,” Lassi adds.

Lassi has simple advice for those considering a career at Marioff: “Go for it. The team spirit and work culture are excellent, and there are plenty of learning possibilities and growth opportunities. Marioff provides you with the possibility to be your best self.”

Grow with Marioff

Want to be part of a team where expertise, innovation, and growth come together? Explore what a career at Marioff could look like for you.