Sep 10, 2010 07:23 GMT  ·  By

Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia has just announced that its Board of Directors has appointed a new President and Chief Executive Officer of Nokia

as of September 21, in the person of Stephen Elop, who will replace Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo in this position.

Currently, Elop leads Microsoft's Business Division, prior to which he held various senior executive positions in US-based public companies, including Juniper Networks, Adobe Systems Inc. and Macromedia Inc.

Stephen Elop comes to Nokia with a degree in computer engineering and management from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada.

“The time is right to accelerate the company's renewal; to bring in new executive leadership with different skills and strengths in order to drive company success,” Jorma Ollila, Chairman of the Nokia Board of Directors, said.

“The Nokia Board believes that Stephen has the right industry experience and leadership skills to realize the full potential of Nokia. His strong software background and proven record in change management will be valuable assets as we press harder to complete the transformation of the company.”

Stephen Elop also expressed his excitement for becoming part of a team aimed at strengthening Nokia's position on the market.

Elop said: “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 added

Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo will leave his current position as President and CEO of Nokia come September 20, 2010, while leaving his position on the Nokia Board of Directors with immediate effect.

He will remain member of the Board of Nokia Siemens Networks, but in a non-executive capacity.

“The whole Board of Directors joins me in thanking Olli-Pekka for his thirty years at Nokia, during which he has been deeply involved in developing the company and its operations. His dedication and contribution throughout the years has been exceptional,” Jorma Ollila commented.

As of September 10, 2010, the Nokia Board includes the following members: Jorma Ollila (Chairman), Dame Marjorie Scardino (Vice Chairman), Lalita D. Gupte, Bengt Holmström, Dr. Henning Kagermann, Per Karlsson, Isabel Marey-Semper, Risto Siilasmaa, Keijo Suila.