Ramzi Haidamus, the president of Nokia Technologies, is leaving the company in September at a critical time in the Finnish vendor’s strategy to return to the mobile phone market.
Haidamus took on the role two years ago when Nokia separated its business into networks and technologies following the divestment of its mobile phone business to Microsoft in April 2014. The vendor has since sold off its Here mapping business to a group of investors including German carmakers Audi, BMW and Daimler.
In this role, Haidamus was in charge of the vendor’s plan to return the famous Nokia brand to the mobile phone and tablet market through a new Finnish company called HMD Global.
HMD now has an exclusive global licence to create a full range of Nokia-branded smartphones, tablets, and feature phones. The company recently appointed former Rovio CMO Pekka Rantala as its CMO.
Nokia did not provide any reasons for Haidamus’ departure, although CEO Rajeev Suri said he had created a “strong foundation” in Nokia Technologies.
"Under his leadership, we have grown our patent licensing business, reached an agreement with HMD global Oy to bring the Nokia brand back to mobile devices, and made excellent progress in digital media with the launch of the OZO virtual reality camera and in digital health with the acquisition of Withings,” Suri said.
Haidamus said the time was right for him to take up a new opportunity elsewhere.
"What was originally a collection of interesting assets is now a focused, growing and profitable business with a strong leadership team. Given that progress, now is the right time for me to explore new opportunities to pursue my passion for building and transforming businesses,” he added.
Brad Rodrigues, currently head of strategy and business development in Nokia Technologies, will assume the role of acting president until a permanent successor has been found.
For more:
- see the Nokia release
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