Toni Niittymäki believes in a hands-on, generalist approach to data

Meet Toni Niittymäki, a challenge-driven Senior Data and Analytics Architect from Norrin’s Tampere office. 

“I enjoy working hands-on with data solutions. It’s the reason why a decade ago I pivoted from a leadership position to consulting. I got tired of sitting in meetings all day and watching consultants have all the fun”, Toni Niittymäki says with a smile.

Toni works as a Senior Data and Analytics Architect in Norrin’s Tampere office. And despite the “architect” title, he remains deeply involved in the applied aspects of data work. 

In his role, Toni is often a part of the entire customer lifecycle – from pre-sales to implementation. Due to his experience, it comes naturally to him, but he says that as data platforms evolve, this kind of “general practitioner” mindset is becoming increasingly valuable and common. 

“Up until now, data consultants have been highly specialized. But as the technology advances, a more generalist approach will become the norm. Consultants need a broad understanding of data operations and how they connect to business. That is how we translate our skills to customer value.”

And for him, this is directly linked to practical data work.

“I find participating in hands-on work to be a good way to develop and maintain an understanding of the many nuances of data work – and to stay current with new tools and the opportunities they provide for our clients.”

Drawn by Norrin’s Culture

Toni started working at Norrin three years ago and found it a good fit from the start.  What impressed him the most was the company culture.

“There were the little things that I liked such as the compensation model, the employee fund and the remote work trips (this year it was to Crete). But what really stood out, was the professionalism and pride people take in doing things the right way.”

Initially Toni worked from home, but when the Tampere office opened in August 2025, he jumped at the chance to work on-site.

“Norrin has always been very flexible about how we work. For a while I preferred remote work, but after a few years I wanted to be around people again. It’s great that our presence in Tampere is growing, and that we were able to establish a base here as well.”

Fueled by challenges

Toni thrives on challenges, both in work and in life.

His hobbies include reading and exercising, but he has managed to turn those commonplace activities into extreme sports: Toni has run multiple marathons and recently he finished a two-year project of reading all 26 parts and 17 000 pages of the rambling autobiographical “Iijoki” series by the Finnish author Kalle Päätalo.

“I don’t have that much time to run anymore, but I still do it to unwind. As for the Iijoki series, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it”, he laughs.

At work Toni is also a major contributor in Norrin’s “Analytics Guild”, which explores new technologies and works on developing the company’s analytics related services.

“Unified platforms such as Microsoft Fabric bring data and analytics teams closer together, while AI tools make analytics available to more users. This opens the door to a business-first mindset in data operations. In the guild, we continuously explore new trends, technologies and methods to help our clients fully leverage their data.”

“It is an exciting time for data operations”, he concludes.

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