Nordecon Taps 'Builder of the Year' for Key Subsidiary Role

TALLINN, ESTONIA – February 20, 2026 – In a strategic move to bolster its regional leadership, construction giant Nordecon AS has announced the appointment of Ahto Aruväli, a highly decorated industry veteran, to the management board of its 51%-owned subsidiary, Embach Ehitus OÜ. Aruväli will take the helm of the company’s North Estonia division, a critical role poised to leverage his extensive experience in managing large-scale and complex construction projects.

The appointment strengthens the Embach Ehitus management board, which will now operate with three members: Andres Salusaar as Chairman, Peeter Voovere as Head of Sales and Pre-Construction, and Aruväli spearheading operations in the economically vital northern region. This decision underscores a deliberate effort by Nordecon to install proven leadership within its key subsidiaries to drive growth and operational excellence in competitive markets.

A Track Record of Award-Winning Execution

Ahto Aruväli is not a new name in Estonia's competitive construction landscape; he brings a reputation forged through the successful delivery of landmark projects. His most notable achievement came in 2014 when he was awarded the prestigious “Builder of the Year” title for his exceptional project management of the Tondiraba ice hall in Tallinn. This complex undertaking, managed while he was a project manager at Merko Ehitus Eesti, was completed in just 14 months and involved the precise installation of 4,500 reinforced concrete elements, a 2,000-square-meter jointless concrete floor, and massive wooden trusses, showcasing his ability to lead multifaceted and technically demanding builds.

His portfolio also includes the successful management of the Rakvere AQUA Spa construction early in his career. More recently, as the head of EG Ehitus, Aruväli oversaw another significant infrastructure project: the 43.4-million-euro onshore section of the Balticconnector gas pipeline, which spanned 54 kilometers from Kiili to Paldiski. This background in both complex buildings and large-scale infrastructure positions him as a versatile leader capable of navigating the diverse demands of the North Estonia construction sector.

Strategic Vision for a Dynamic Market

Beyond his project management prowess, Aruväli is known for a strategic approach that emphasizes resilience and forward-thinking adaptation. He has publicly advocated for the importance of maintaining skilled in-house labor to mitigate risk and control costs, a particularly relevant strategy in a market often facing labor shortages. His leadership philosophy centers on fostering effective communication and encouraging creative, out-of-the-box problem-solving to meet ambitious deadlines.

His experience leading EG Ehitus also saw the company diversify its portfolio into the burgeoning green energy sector, undertaking projects for biogas plants and solar panel solutions. This foray into sustainable technologies demonstrates an awareness of market evolution and an ability to pivot toward high-growth areas. This expertise could prove invaluable for Embach Ehitus as Estonia continues its green transition, potentially opening doors to new types of projects in renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable building.

This appointment comes as Nordecon, a group with a consolidated revenue of 208 million euros in 2025, continues to manage its portfolio of construction projects across Estonia, Ukraine, and Sweden. Installing a leader with Aruväli's conservative yet stable strategic views and a history of diversification aligns with the parent company's goal of ensuring long-term stability and growth for its subsidiaries.

Fortifying Leadership and Industry Influence

Aruväli’s qualifications provide a robust foundation for his new role. He holds a degree in building construction from Tallinn University of Applied Sciences and a degree in strategic management from the University of Tartu. Furthermore, he possesses a Level 7 professional qualification as a Chartered Civil Engineer, with specializations in construction activities, design management, and cost estimation. His influence extends beyond individual companies, as he serves as a member of the management board of the Estonian Association of Construction Entrepreneurs.

In this capacity, he has been an active voice on industry-wide issues, including expressing concerns about the potential impact of vocational training reforms on the availability of a qualified workforce. This deep involvement in the industry's regulatory and labor landscape provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. His appointment is not just a gain for Embach Ehitus but also a signal of Nordecon's commitment to embedding deep industry knowledge and strategic foresight at every level of its operations. With Aruväli leading the charge in North Estonia, Embach Ehitus is well-positioned to strengthen its market presence and tackle the next generation of construction challenges.