Nokia restructures, shakes up management

Nokia announced it will introduce a more simplified corporate structure in an effort to bolster competitiveness and improve its overall consumer experience. Effective July 1, Nokia's Devices and Services business will function as three units: Mobile Solutions, Mobile Phones and Markets. Mobile Solutions will focus on smartphones and high-end mobile computers based on the Symbian and Meego platforms--Anssi Vanjoki will lead the unit, which will include MeeGo Computers (led by Alberto Torres) and Symbian Smartphones (led by Jo Harlow). Mobile Solutions will also encompass the Tero Ojanpera-led Services division, which will continue to develop Nokia's Ovi platform as an integrated service into smartphones and mobile computers while spearheading creation and deployment of new services.

Mobile Phones, headed by Mary McDowell, will focus on Nokia's Series 40 device portfolio; the unit will also work to boost lower-end devices via efforts like Ovi Life Tools, Ovi Mail, Ovi Store and Nokia Money. Rick Simonson, who currently heads Mobile Phones, will retire effective June 30, but will remain as a senior advisor through the end of the year, focusing on Nokia Siemens Networks. Niklas Savander will lead the Markets unit, which will concentrate on Nokia's overall sales and marketing initiatives, and Kai Oistamo assumes the role of chief development officer and head of corporate development.

In mid-April, Nokia reported first quarter profits of €349 million ($465 million U.S.), up from €122 million/$168 million a year ago, bolstered by cost-cutting moves and increased smartphone sales. The company sold 21.5 million smartphones in Q1, an increase of 57 percent compared to a year ago and a 3 percent quarter-over-quarter jump. Last week, Nokia said its Ovi Store is now averaging 1.7 million downloads per day; the mobile content marketplace opened almost a year ago.

For more on the Nokia shakeup:
- read this release

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