Nokia Technologies president clears off

President of Nokia Technologies Ramzi Haidamus has unexpectedly stepped down, with almost immediate effect.

Citing a desire to “pursue new opportunities”, Nokia says Haidamus, a member of the company’s Group Leadership Team, will be stepping down from his responsibilities on the board and as president of Nokia Technologies – the Finnish vendor’s R&D and technology licensing business. Little additional information was given over the circumstances of Haidamus’s departure, but a suspiciously short notice period will be served before he departs the company.

Haidamus will stay with Nokia to help “ensure a smooth transition”, until the end of September; which for a high ranking board member is essentially an “effective immediately” resignation. Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri was suitably amorous towards his soon-to-be former colleague.

“Ramzi has created a strong foundation in Nokia Technologies,” he said. “Under his leadership, we have grown our patent licensing business, reached an agreement with HMD global Oy to bring the Nokia brand back to mobile devices, and made excellent progress in digital media with the launch of the OZO virtual reality camera, and in digital health with the acquisition of Withings.

“I wish Ramzi well, and am confident that with its strong foundation, Nokia Technologies will continue its progress without missing a beat,” concluded Suri with a somewhat backhanded compliment to his departing colleague.

Haidamus only joined Nokia in 2014, and while the inference of his stated aim of seeking new challenges haven’t been given, it’s still surprising to see such a senior member of Nokia step down with an almost pointlessly short notice period.