Nokia rejigs top management after three executives quit

New leadership team will be in place from July 1, 2012

Mobile handset major Nokia today announced changes in senior management following the resignation of three officials including Chief Marketing Officer Jerri DeVard.

DeVard had joined the company in January 2011 and was its Executive Vice President  (EVP).

"Jerri has made a positive impact on Nokia's advertising, marketing and brand efforts. Our marketing has made great strides under her leadership. I will particularly miss the fresh insight and new energy that Jerri injected into the Nokia brand," Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said in a statement.

Chris Weber who was senior VP Markets for Americas at Nokia has been appointed as EVP of sales and marketing.

"Chris has made tremendous strides in kick starting our re-entry into the US and his track record of driving results will serve Nokia well," Elop said.

Tuula Rytila, senior VP of portfolio and business management has been appointed as the CMO. Rytila will report to Weber.

Nokia Corporation EVP of Mobile Phones, Mary McDowell and EVP of Markets, Niklas Savander also stepped down from their post. Both were also board members for Nokia's subsidiary and digital map company NAVTEQ.

Savander also represented Nokia on the board of its joint venture firm Nokia Siemens Network. She will also step down from NSN board from June 30, the statement said.

The handset major said "executives are stepping down from the Nokia Leadership Team effective June 30, 2012 to pursue other opportunities outside of Nokia."

The corporation announced the appointment of Timo Toikkanen in place of McDowell as executive vice president of Mobile Phones.

The corporation announced the appointment of Juha Putkiranta as EVP of operations. He formerly served as senior VP for supply chain.

It promoted Susan Sheehan, who reports to Nokia CEO Elop, as vice president of communications, to the post of Senior VP of communications.

The new leadership team of Nokia will be in place from July 1, 2012, the statement said.

DeVard, McDowell and Savander will serve as senior advisors to Nokia through the transition of their roles, it added.