Nokia, the company’s chairman, Jorma Ollila, has announced that he will step down in 2012.
Ollila’s plan to leave the company in 2012 comes as Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia’s executive vice president of mobile solutions, announced plans to leave the company in six months, and Nokia just named Microsoft executive Steven Elop as the successor to Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, who is stepping down as president and CEO. Ollila’s announcement caused a buzz amongst the 3,000 attendees at the Nokia World 2010 event in London, which kicked off Sept. 14.
And though many see the series of departures as a bit of upheaval for Nokia in a time of increasing competition from Apple, Google and other smartphone makers, others view it as an opportunity. In particular, it is an opportunity for Elop to come in and make his mark more immediately. Ollila’s departure will be sure to hasten that process.
Nokia announced four new smartphones at its Nokia World 2010 show on Sept. 14, including the E7 business-oriented device. With Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync on board, the Nokia E7 provides direct, real-time and secure access to corporate email inboxes and other personal applications. Equipped with a 4-inch touch screen display featuring Nokia ClearBlack technology for improved outdoor visibility and a full keyboard, business users will be able to use the Nokia E7 to work on documents, review spreadsheets, or read and edit slides. For corporate peace of mind, a combination of business-grade security solutions is available.
For more, read the eWeek article Nokia Chairman to Resign in 2012.