Riku Pääkkönen is founder of Spinefarm Records in 1990. The label grew in the 90’s with signings like Nightwish and Children Of Bodom among  many others. With the sale of Spinefarm Records to Universal Music Group in 2003 Mr Pääkkönen continued to work as head of the label for following eight years. Couple of years after leaving UMG he started Ranka Kustannus as record label. The company had been in publishing business since 1998. Ranka have been concentrating in finding young talent mainly from Finland, and developing them for a career in music industry. The most recent success is Blind Channel who entered Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam finishing in 6th position. During years Mr Pääkkönen have had spells in different organisions, being board member at IFPI Finland, Music Finland, Indieco (currently Chairman) and Finnish Tennis Association. Outside of music Mr Pääkkönen is very keen in running, cycling and horse racing.