Nokia has appointed Stephen Elop as president and chief executive officer, the handset maker said in a statement yesterday.
Elop currently heads Microsoft’s Business Division. Before joining Microsoft, he held senior executive positions in a number of US-based public companies, including Juniper Networks, Adobe Systems and Macromedia.
He holds a degree in computer engineering and management from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, which is his home country.
“The time is right to accelerate the company’s renewal; to bring in new executive leadership with different skills and strengths in order to drive company success. The Nokia Board believes that Stephen has the right industry experience and leadership skills to realise the full potential of Nokia,” said Jorma Ollila, chairman of Nokia’s Board of Directors.
Commenting on the new job, the Nokia CEO said he is “extremely excited to become part of a team dedicated to strengthening Nokia’s position as the undisputed leader of the mobile communications industry”.
Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo will leave his current position as president and chief executive officer of Nokia on Monday and his position on the Nokia Board of Directors with immediate effect.
