Nokia has named the current head of its networks division, Rajeev Suri, as the company’s new CEO.
The 46-year-old has served at Nokia for almost 20 years in a range of management positions, and has been the head of networks division NSN since October 2009, where he orchestrated what is often seen as one of the technology industry’s biggest turnarounds, bringing the division back to profit.
Within two years of taking the leadership of NSN, Suri axed 17,000 jobs and moved the division’s focus to mobile broadband equipment. The bold move paid off in profit terms, bringing NSN back into profit to the point that it contributed about half the company’s revenues before the Microsoft deal.
The Indian-born graduate of Mangalore University was raised in Kuwait for much of his life, and is a rarity among corporate executives in that he does not have an MBA degree. As well as Finland, Suri has worked in the UK, Nigeria, Germany and Singapore.
"I am honored to have been asked to take this role, and excited about the possibilities that lie in our future," Suri said. "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."
Nokia’s chair of the board Risto Siilasmaa said that Suri has strong credentials for creating a clear strategy for the company and laying the ground for future innovation and growth.
Suri will take up the post on the first of May.