KO for Finland's OPK, New Canadian Nokia President and CEO from Microsoft, Stephen Elop. Nokia finally gets a Steve!

In a live webcast later today, we will hear that Nokia’s CEO and president, Finnish Olli Pekka Kallasvuo is to be replaced by a top Microsoft executive, Canadian Stephen Elops, current Business (Office) Division President. OPK will continue to chair the board of Nokia Siemens Networks.

So, a change up for Nokia World as a new CEO and President is to take the lead on the transformation of Nokia?

Well, Nokia World is 14th and 15th of this month. OPK is not due to leave until the 20th so he may still be a speaking at Nokia World as CEO. Whether Elop will turn up is another thing.

OPK’s ousting and the search for the new Finnish Idol, I mean – Nokia CEO, has been rumoured for quite a while and whilst Nokia denied it, here we are with a brand new guy at the top. For one, I will miss the strong accent, “MOOOLTEMIIDYA COMPYUUTARS” that has echoed on the Nokia show floor. Though for those wanting a more standardized global tone, (especially for North American consumers) Elop may just be that lively, enthusiastic, friendly and charismatic leader and speaker Nokia’s been waiting for. At the very least, least he (and more importantly, Nokia) will seem less of a ‘foreigner’ to North Americans – which (amongst many things) Nokia needs in their attempt to penetrate the US market.

Much respect, OPK. 😀 Sorry you won’t be around to see your work bear fruit.

Welcome to Nokia Mr Elop. As a side note, we now have a Steve at number one.

Engadget /Cellular News / Press Release

Stephen Elop

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FeRcV44CRc]

Thanks to Cheruki Tarun for the heads up. Damn stupid @NokiaMessaging problem getting me my mails late 🙁

Tags: News, Nokia, Trojan Horse, WP7

Category: Nokia