Nokia appoints Rajeev Suri as president and CEO

New CEO plots new strategy

Nokia has installed a new chief executive to take on the remaining parts of the firm that were not sold to Microsoft, and set up a plan for a competitive technology future.

Rajeev Suri, the former head of Nokia Solutions and Networks who joined the firm in 1995, will take over the role of president and CEO from 1 May. As part of the firm's new strategy, networking will be one of three key areas of focus, alongside intellectual property and wearables.

Risto Siilasmaa, chairman of the Nokia board of directors, said: "As Nokia opens this new chapter, the Nokia Board and I are confident that Rajeev is the right person to lead the company forward.

"He has a proven ability to create strategic clarity, drive innovation and growth, ensure disciplined execution, and deliver results. We believe that his passion for technology will help ensure that Nokia continues to deliver innovations that have a positive impact on people's lives."

Suri has held a number of roles at Nokia and turned Nokia Solutions and Networks, formerly known as Nokia Siemens Networks, into a real challenger in the market.

He said that he was glad to take on the role, and was looking forward to pushing the new Nokia forward. "I am honored to have been asked to take this role, and excited about the possibilities that lie in our future," said the new CEO.

"Nokia, with its deep experience in connecting people and its three strong businesses, is well positioned to tap new opportunities during this time of technological change. I look forward to working with the entire Nokia team as we embark on this exciting journey."

This journey will include a focus on monetising intellectual property, gadgets and networks. "Customers of our Networks business can have confidence that we will continue to make the investments necessary to deliver the innovation needed to help them build even stronger businesses," added Suri.

Last week several former Nokia executives stepped down from Nokia and moved to Microsoft, including former CEO Stephen Elop, who admitted on Monday that the firm picked Windows Phone over Android due to fears of Samsung's dominance.