HS Senior Editor-in-Chief quits after drunk driving

Kaius Niemi has been released from the position of Helsingin Sanomat's Senior Editor-in-Chief on Friday following a suspected incident of drunk driving, said the Sanoma Corporation in a press release.

Niemi already announced earlier that he feels he cannot continue in his position, and Sanoma's Board of Directors has released him of his duties immediately.

"We are extremely sorry for today's events. Kaius Niemi has done an excellent job as the Senior Editor-in-Chief of Helsingin Sanomat. He has made a serious mistake and carries the responsibility for it. Sanoma's Board has made a decision to release him from his position," said Pekka Ala-Pietilä, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sanoma.

Editor-in-Chief Antero Mukka is acting as the responsible Editor-in-Chief of Helsingin Sanomat for the time being.

The process to search for a successor will start immediately, the press release added.