Ylipäällikkö

Ylipäällikkö is a Finnish title used for the highest-ranking official in certain public-sector organizations. The role is typically analogous to Director General or Chief Executive in other countries.

The term derives from yli- meaning “above” and päällikkö meaning “leader.” It has historical roots in Finnish public administration and is commonly used in central government agencies.

In the Finnish state administration, ylipäällikkö refers to the top civil servant within an agency or department. The position is usually filled by appointment by the government or the minister responsible for the agency.

Responsibilities typically include overall leadership and strategic direction, budget and staff oversight, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, coordinating with the ministry, and representing the agency externally.

The exact powers and scope vary by organization. Some agencies use ylipäällikkö as the formal head, while others use titles such as pääjohtaja or toimialajohtaja.

Historically, the term has been part of Finnish public administration for many decades and remains in use in certain agencies, though it is not universal across the state.