Telecom equipment maker Nokia Siemens Networks has appointed Rajeev Suri as the new chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2009.
Mr Suri, 41-year old, who currently leads the company’s services business, will succeed Simon Beresford-Wylie. Mr Beresford will support Mr Suri during a transition period through November 1, 2009 before leaving the company. He will leave the Nokia Group Executive Board as of September 30, 2009.
Mr Suri, previous led the Asia-Pacific region and has been based in various locations including India, Finland, the United Kingdom, West Africa and Singapore.
Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, CEO of Nokia and chairman of the Board of Directors of Nokia Siemens Networks, said: “We began a comprehensive succession process when Simon shared his desire to depart at the appropriate time. That process has made it clear that Rajeev brings the right values, experience and industry expertise to take Nokia Siemens Networks forward.”
Beresford-Wylie joined Nokia in 1998 and held several positions in Asia and Europe before his appointment to head Nokia’s infrastructure business group in February 2005. He assumed the position of chief executive officer of Nokia Siemens Networks when it commenced operations on April 1, 2007. He has been a member of the Nokia Group Executive Board since 2005.
Mr Kallasvuo added: “I respect his decision to pursue opportunities in a new industry after 27 years in the telecommunications infrastructure sector. He leaves a remarkable legacy as the architect of Nokia Siemens Networks and as a close friend.”
