Pekka Ruutu, Patria’s Executive Vice President of Sustainment Solutions:
“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 defense. 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 endeavors. I am confident that Harald Kokelkoren will lead the ILIAS Solutions team with equal strength and deliver excellent results in his new role.”

The ambition to become a leading player in Defense Management Systems has shaped the ILIAS journey over the past decade. Today, ILIAS continues to focus on steady growth and long-term relationships with its customers and partners.

Customers rely on ILIAS technology to support their day-to-day operations and critical decision-making, mission readiness is essential. In this context, the transaction with Patria was a key strategic step. At the same time, ensuring continuity in strong operational management remains our highest priority to serve our customers successfully. With Harald Kokelkoren, ILIAS continues to be well positioned to deliver on its strategy and growth potential.  

"It has been a privilege to lead ILIAS over the past years and to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team. I am confident that, under Harald’s leadership, the company will continue to build on its strong foundation and further strengthen its position in the Defense Management Systems market," said Jean-Pierre Wildschut, CEO ILIAS Solutions.
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Harald Kokelkoren brings a strong combination of military, consulting, and technology leadership experience to the role of CEO. A graduate of the Royal Netherlands Military Academy, he began his career in the Royal Netherlands Air Force, where he held several technical and engineering positions, including responsibility for F-16 maintenance and major upgrade programs. He later joined PwC, where he led business improvement projects and managed the ILIAS implementation for the NATO AWACS fleet. In 2001, he co-founded Vision Waves, an innovative Dutch software company later recognized by Gartner. Harald joined ILIAS in 2015 as shareholder and Executive Board Member, and he has helped shape the company’s direction and growth.

‍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.

ILIAS Solutions

Barbara Persoons

Corporate Communication Manager
barbara.persoons@ilias-solutions.com

+31(0)36 75 19 757

Patria Group

Sirje Ahvenlampi-Hyvönen

Vice President, Group Communications

sirje.ahvenlampi-hyvonen@patriagroup.com

+358 (0)50 5573822

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