Born in 1946 in Orimattila in Finland, Kyöstilä began his career in the dental industry in 1965 as a sales representative for a Finnish dental supply company. He founded Planmeca in 1971, initially focusing on dental stools and cabinetry. From the outset, the company pursued in-house research and development, laying the foundation for long-term innovation and international growth.

Under Kyöstilä’s leadership, Planmeca steadily expanded its portfolio, introducing microprocessor-controlled dental units in the 1980s and panoramic and 3D-imaging systems in the 1990s and 2000s and subsequently developing fully integrated digital workflows combining imaging, software and CAD/CAM solutions. Key milestones include the launch of the Planmeca Romexis platform, ultra-low-dose CBCT imaging protocols and, more recently, artificial intelligence software features and internet-connected device analytics.

Beyond his entrepreneurial work, Kyöstilä has held numerous positions of trust within Finnish industry and export organisations. In 2005, he was awarded the honorary title of “Teollisuusneuvos”, a state-conferred distinction recognising outstanding contributions to industry, and he has received several national and civic distinctions. Estimated to have a net worth of US$2.3 billion (€2 billion^*), Kyöstilä has also appeared on the Forbes World’s Billionaires list, making him one of the very few individuals from the dental industry to feature in the annual global ranking. In April 2017, he appeared on the cover of the first edition of Forbes Finland.

Today, Planmeca remains privately owned, and its manufacturing and product development are strongly rooted in Finland, reflecting Kyöstilä’s long-standing commitment to quality, innovation and his long-term vision for the company.

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