Nokia shareholders call for Elop's head

In an open letter to the company, nine shareholders set out a new plan for the company

The latest fallout from Nokia's new partnership with Microsoft is a call by nine Nokia shareholders for president and CEO Stephen Elop to step down.

They have demanded his resignation in an open letter to the company entitled "Plan B". The letter decries the mobile firm's partnership with Microsoft and proposes a series of alternative actions to improve the company's performance.

The shareholders plan to present Plan B at the next company annual general meeting, which is scheduled for 3 May.

The group's proposals include:

• A restructure of the alliance with Microsoft with emphasis on the North American market. But Windows Phone will not be the primary development platform for Nokia.

• MeeGo to be Nokia's primary smartphone platform.

• Lifespan of Nokia's mid-range platform Symbian to be guaranteed for a minimum of five years.

• Leadership team to be shaken up.

• Aggressive recruitment of young software talent from top universities.