Nokia executive who drafted the partnership with Microsoft quits

Steven Overman, Nokia’s Vice-President of Global Branding Strategy and Marketing Strategy has resigned. Mr. Overman co-wrote the landmark agreement that would partner Microsoft and Nokia. He also played a leading role in the launch of the Lumia series of Windows Phone devices. Nokia’s Asha line of affordable devices was also part of Overman’s sphere of influence.

The branding strategy encompassed everything from creation and planning to implementing the advertising and social networking initiatives.

There is no word on where Mr. Overman may be moving on to (assuming he has another job lined up), but a Nokia spokesman has reportedly shared that his departure was “amicable.” There has been no shortage of debate over Nokia’s decision to go with Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform, but there is little debate about the quality of the hardware that Nokia has been producing with the Lumia line.

Nokia’s worldwide smartphone shipments have markedly increased over the past two quarters, 4.4 million in the fourth quarter 2012 and 5.6 million in the first quarter of this year. However, sales in North America have dropped during that same period. With these mixed indicators, Nokia continues to face challenges.

source: BGR