Changes in the leadership of ILIAS Solutions, part of Patria Group
As of 1 July 2026, Jean-Pierre Wildschut will step down as CEO of ILIAS Solutions (ILIAS), passing leadership to Harald Kokelkoren, Chief Operating Officer of ILIAS. At the end of 2026, Jean-Pierre Wildschut will retire, until that time he will support the management team as an advisor.
For the last 20 years, Jean-Pierre Wildschut has played a key role as Board Member and CEO of ILIAS Solutions, focusing on corporate strategy and leading technology-driven transformation.
Harald Kokelkoren brings a strong combination of military, consulting, and technology leadership experience to the role of CEO. He joined ILIAS in 2015 as shareholder and Executive Board Member, and he has helped shape the company’s direction and growth.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Jean-Pierre Wildschut and the ILIAS Solutions team since the start of our joint journey in 2025. This strategic milestone has strengthened Patria’s position in the digital transformation of defence. I sincerely thank JP for his drive and ambition for both the industry and our companies, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I am confident that Harald Kokelkoren will lead the ILIAS Solutions team with equal strength and deliver excellent results in his new role,” says Pekka Ruutu, Patria’s Executive Vice President of Sustainment Solutions.
Patria’s acquisition of ILIAS Solutions was officially completed in September 2025. The acquisition of ILIAS software suite and its integration into Patria OPTIME have enhanced Patria’s digital services, ensuring fleet performance in all conditions over the entire lifecycle. ILIAS Solutions has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, the US, Denmark, and Australia.
Media enquiries and further information:
Patria OPTIME: www.patriagroup.com/patria-optime
Barbara Persoons, Corporate Communication Manager, ILIAS Solutions, tel. +31 (0)36 75 19 757
[email protected]
Sirje Ahvenlampi-Hyvönen, Vice President, Group Communications, Patria, tel. +358 50 557 3822, [email protected]
Patria is a modern and international defence and technology company with over 100 years of experience. Through our top-notch experts and Protected Mobility, Defence and Weapon Systems and Sustainment Solutions business areas, we ensure reliable operations for our customers and serve as a partner in critical functions on land, sea and air – when if is not an option. Patria’s operating countries include Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Japan.
Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.
www.patriagroup.com
About ILIAS Solutions, part of Patria Group
ILIAS Solutions' Defense Platform is a military-grade COTS software suite built on 30+ years of defense expertise. Developed by IT specialists and military experts, it orchestrates supply, inventory, maintenance, training, deployments and operations across land, sea, and air. Commanders gain real-time asset visibility and data-driven decision-making. Trusted globally as a long-term partner, ILIAS enables MRO&U, Total Asset Visibility, Fleet Management, and Expeditionary Deployment Operations. ILIAS Solutions is part of the Patria Group since September 2025.
www.ilias-solutions.com
