The following candidates applied for the post: Tapio Ahlgren, Jouni Karhunen, Minna Kivimäki, Ville Lehmuskoski, Jarno Limnéll, Yrjö Mäkelä, Mika Mäkilä, Mikael Nyberg, Hannu Pennanen, Esko Pyykkönen, Silja Ruokola, Juha Räsänen, Pasi Ursin and Marja-Leena Wahander. One applicant requested anonymity.
The Director-General is appointed by the Government. The appointment starts on 1 March 2010 and is for a period of five years.
