Nokia Hires Former Microsoft Bigwig as New CEO

Posted 09/10/2010 at 6:00am | by Paul Lilly

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Nokia's search for a new CEO is over. The company found its replacement in Stephen Elop, a 46-year-old Canadian citizen and former President of Microsoft's Business Division, the same unit that's in charge of the Microsoft Office suite.

Elop took the Microsoft position in January 2008, and prior to that he served as CEO for network infrastructure company Juniper Networks. Now he's tasked with restoring Nokia back to relevance in the smartphone market.

"I am extremely excited to become part of a team dedicated to strengthening Nokia's position as the undisputed leader of the mobile communications industry, with a relentless focus on meeting the needs and expectations of customers," Elop said in Nokia's statement. "Nokia has a unique global position as well as a great brand upon which we can build. The company has deeply talented and dedicated people, and I am confident that together we can continue to deliver innovative products that meet the needs of consumers. The Nokia slogan clearly states our key mission: Connecting People, which will acquire new dimensions as we build our portfolio of products, solutions and services."

Elop can certainly talk the talk, but walking the walk won't be easy. Restoring the company's smartphone business isn't just about the hardware, Elop also has to figure out how to make the Ovi Store more competitive with the Android Market and Apple's App Store, and turn Symbian into a viable smartphone OS capable of competing against Android and iOS.