Nokia’s mobile networks head quits

Nokia’s head of mobile networks, the division which accounted for more than half of Finnish telecoms network equipment maker’s sales last year, is leaving the company.

Nokia said on Friday in Helsinki that it would break out services as a distinct business group from mobile networks following the departure of Samih Elhage.

Nokia Chief Executive, Rajeev Suri, in statement, said that Elhage had been a close friend and advisor.

“I fully support his desire for a change,” he said.

Elhage joined Nokia in 2012 and helped to turn around its network business at a time when it was a troubled joint venture with Siemens.

Marc Rouanne, currently Chief Innovation and Operating Officer, may become head of the mobile networks’ products business while another Nokia veteran, Igor Leprince, will take over the new service organisation.

Nokia said that it services were growing in importance because of the weak global outlook.

The global networks market is expected to fall this year as telecom operators demand for faster 4G mobile broadband equipment, and upgrades to next-generation 5G equipment which are still years away.