Nokia announced that it will introduce a simplified company structure for the devices and service business which consists of three units – Mobile Phones, Mobile Solutions and Markets. The move will be effective from the 1st of June, 2010, and aims to enhance the product innovation and software execution in line with the goals of integrating content, services and applications into the company’s mobile computers, smartphones and mobile phone portfolio.
The Mobile Solutions unit will concentrate on the company’s smartphone portfolio and high-end mobile computer. These devices will be based on both the MeeGo and Symbian operation software platforms respectively, and will also be tightly integrated with the Internet Services of Nokia in order to increase the combined value for consumers.
Responsible for Nokia’s leadership in the feature-rich mobile phone market will be the renewed Mobile Phones unit, which will drive the direction of Series 40, the largest mobile operating system in the world. Both the Mobile Solutions and Mobile Phones Units will include product planning, R&D and dedicated software assets.
Responsible for the “go-to-market” activities of Nokia will be the sales and marketing, and management of the global supply chains and sourcing operations of Nokia.
CEO of Nokia, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, said that in addition to extending their leadership in mobile phones, they are decisively moving to respond faster to growth the opportunities they expect in smartphones and mobile computers. Olli-Pekka Kallasvua also explained that the new organizational structure of Nokia is designed to speed up execution and accelerate innovation, both short-term and longer-term. Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo also said that they believe that this will allow them to build stronger mobile solutions with a portfolio of products and integrated services that connect people and enable many new ways of communications, sharing and experiencing mobility.
The organizational realignment includes changes among the senior executives of Nokia. This is done in order to pursue the right balance between the business continuity, professional competencies and the faster execution.
Annsi Vanjoki will be the head of the Mobile Solution Unit which will be comprised of the led by Alberto Torres meeGo Computers, and led by Jo Harlow Symbian Smartphones. Tero Ojanpera will lead the development and deployment of new services into the mobile phones of Nokia. The Mobile Phones unit will be headed by Mary McDowell and will work closely with Services in order to add value to the lower-end devices. The Markets Unit will be headed by Niklas Savander, and will continue to focus on the overall sales and marketing efforts of Nokia. Head of Corporate Development and Chief Development Officer Roles are assumed by Kai Oistamo.
The current head of Nokia named Rick Simonson, has decided to retire from Nokia, and will leave the Nokia Group Executive Board on the 30th of June, 2010. He will however still be the Senior Advisor of Nokia, and will focus on Nokia Siemens Networks until the end of the year.
Kallasvuo explained that Rick has made a substantial contribution and that he leaves behind a legacy in operational and financial leadership. Kallasvuo thanks him for his invaluable contributions. Kallasvuo also said that they will miss Rick, and that they are pleased that he will continue as a senior advisor to Nokia until the end of the year.
As of July 1, 2010 Nokia’s Group Executive Board will consist of the following members: Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Esko Aho, Juha Akras, Timo Ihamuotila, Mary McDowell, Kai Oistamo, Tero Ojanpera, Niklas Savander, Alberto Torres, and Anssi Vanjoki.