More than four decades in IT, 14 years at Murata, and an exciting new chapter centered around art ahead. As she prepares for retirement, Murata Finland’s IT Director Päivi Korvenranta reflects on her career in an international technology environment and how she found her way back to painting after a break of nearly 30 years.

Päivi Korvenranta joined Murata in 2012. By then, she had already built a long and diverse career in IT, but the opportunity to work for an international Japanese company felt especially appealing.

“I have spent most of my career in international organizations, but at Murata the level of international collaboration is on a completely different scale. Working together with colleagues around the world and learning from different cultures and ways of thinking has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Päivi says.

During more than four decades in the industry, she has witnessed nearly every major technological transformation, from the rise of personal computers and the breakthrough of database technology to today’s era of artificial intelligence.

“One of the fascinating things about technology has always been how people try to predict the future. AI, for example, was expected to change the world already decades ago. Now we are finally seeing that transformation happen in practice,” she says.

According to Päivi, one of the most significant changes has been the growing role of technology in business.

“IT is no longer just a support function. Today, it is an integral part of business strategy, innovation, and competitiveness.”

Working in an international environment has also taught her to view challenges from different perspectives.

“I’ve learned that there are many different paths to an excellent outcome. Different cultures and ways of thinking broaden your perspective and help you see the bigger picture in new ways.”

Rediscovering a long-lost passion

As retirement gradually approached, Päivi began thinking about what she wanted the next phase of her life to look like. During a discussion through Murata Finland’s employee well-being service, she received a piece of advice that stayed with her:

“Whatever you want to do in retirement, start doing it now.”

Those words inspired her to return to painting, a hobby she had left behind nearly three decades earlier.

Today, Päivi actively participates in exhibitions and continues to develop her artistic expression. Her colorful paintings are particularly known for their bold use of color and distinctive palette-knife technique.

“I want to bring joy and positivity through color. If people leave an exhibition with a smile on their face, I’ve achieved what I set out to do,” she explains.

It’s never too late to learn something new

Looking back, Päivi feels grateful for a career filled with international experiences, emerging technologies, continuous learning, and friendships built over the years.

If she had to share one piece of advice from a career spanning more than four decades, it would be this:

“Keep an open mind and embrace new opportunities. It’s never too late to learn something new.”

It is a philosophy she plans to carry into retirement as well.

“A colleague once told me that it’s wonderful to have hobbies you can dive into with real passion,” Päivi remembers. “In that sense, I consider myself fortunate. Retirement will give me more time to focus on the things that bring joy and meaning to my life — whether that’s art, horses, or spending summer days on the shores of Lake Saimaa.”

At Murata, we would like to thank Päivi Korvenranta for her successful career and wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life!

Follow Päivi Korvenranta’s artwork on Instagram:@paivikorvenranta_art