Katja’s journey to becoming an Asset Manager — growth, expertise and collaboration

Katja works at Kielo as an Asset Manager and is responsible for a selection of properties in Tampere, Nokia and Pirkkala, including their leasing. At the heart of her work is the long-term development of properties, responding to customer needs and creating workspace solutions that genuinely support the business of her clients.

Kielo’s newest team member, Asset Manager Katja Ratus, started in her role in January. Her home base is at Kielo’s 36Hatanpää property in Tampere. Working closely with Kielo colleagues across different locations is a regular part of her work, and the team has warmly welcomed her.

With more than 12 years of experience in the real estate sector, Katja enters her new role with a strong foundation. Kielo was already familiar to her, especially through office properties in Jyväskylä, but the recruitment process gave her a much deeper understanding of the company’s culture. “The work community and the way things are done aligned perfectly with what I value,” Katja says.

Her new role has offered just the right amount of challenge and room to grow. Katja has been especially impressed by the strong expertise within the Kielo team and the genuine willingness to help. “You never have to be on your own — it’s always easy to ask for support, and you’ll always get it.”

A the core of the role: customers and property development

Katja’s daily work revolves around leasing, customer collaboration and the development of the properties. Her responsibilities include leasing business premises, understanding the financial aspects of the properties, building strong customer relationships and working closely with various stakeholders. What motivates her most is the customer work itself: finding premises that truly meet tenants’ needs and building long-term partnerships.

To balance her work, Katja finds energy in exercise and spending time outdoors. On windy days she heads to Yyteri to go kitesurfing, and she is also passionate about travelling and Italian food — Italy has captured her heart with both its culture and its cuisine.

Katja describes Kielo’s culture as open, conversational and professional. From her very first days, she felt she was part of the team. “Here, you can be yourself. Support and trust are present in everyday work, and continuous learning is encouraged.”

Katja wants to deepen her expertise particularly in understanding the financial picture of real estate — how costs, investments and long-term returns guide the development of properties. Together with the team, she finds it inspiring to set new goals and grow toward an even more versatile Asset Manager role.

To Katja, it is both a joy and an honour to be part of such a skilled and inspiring group. Kielo offers a place to grow and develop — an environment with genuine opportunities to advance.

Welcome to the team, Katja!

Explore more career stories from Kielo employees here.