Nokia hires former CEO of Samsung Electronics North America

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Nokia today announced that it has hired Gregory Lee, former President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America. Lee will be taking on the role of President of Nokia Technologies and a member of the Group Leadership team.

Lee joins Nokia after over 13 years in Samsung, where his most recent role included managing pretty much the entire Samsung Electronics business in North America. He was responsible for the entire portfolio of Samsung consumer electronics, including smartphones, tablets, home appliances, and so on.

“We have chosen the right leader to take Nokia Technologies forward at a time of renewed excitement about the Nokia brand around the world,” said Rajeev Suri, President and CEO of Nokia. “Gregory's passion for innovation and operational excellence, along with his proven ability to build and lead global consumer technology businesses make him well suited to advance Nokia's efforts in virtual reality, digital health and beyond.”

Lee has an extensive resume, spanning over 30 years. Most of his jobs included leadership roles, both in Samsung and before it. He has been with companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, Kellog's, and Procter & Gamble.



Lee will be based in California, and he will report directly to Suri. This is effective immediately, but Lee has yet to update his LinkedIn profile.

It is also still unknown who will be appointed CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, as Samsung is still keeping quiet. The South Korean giant's website still lists Lee as the head of its US executive team. However, the company is bound to announce its new CEO soon, so we will keep our eyes open for any further information.

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Nokia appoints Gregory Lee to head Nokia Technologies and as member of the Nokia Group Leadership Team

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced the appointment of Gregory Lee, a proven consumer technology and innovation leader, as President of Nokia Technologies and as member of the Group Leadership team, with immediate effect.

Lee joins Nokia after a 13-year career at Samsung Electronics, where he most recently served as President and CEO, Samsung Electronics, North America, with a focus on driving fast growth, profitability and operational excellence. In this capacity, Lee led all of Samsung's businesses for North America, managing a portfolio of products including mobile phones and consumer electronics, as well as those in new market segments such as digital health, virtual reality devices and digital content.

"We have chosen the right leader to take Nokia Technologies forward at a time of renewed excitement about the Nokia brand around the world," said Rajeev Suri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nokia. "Gregory's passion for innovation and operational excellence, along with his proven ability to build and lead global consumer technology businesses, make him well suited to advance Nokia's efforts in virtual reality, digital health and beyond."

"I am excited by the opportunity to lead Nokia Technologies," said Lee. "The Nokia Technologies team has produced innovative products and solutions in dynamic, high growth segments of the consumer technology market, and I am honored to be in a position to help build on this success in the future."

A graduate of the University of California at San Diego, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, Lee has held numerous product, technology and marketing leadership roles over the course of a career spanning nearly three decades. He previously served as Samsung's Global Chief Marketing Officer, as well as President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and President and CEO of Samsung Telecommunications America. Prior to his time at Samsung, Lee led product development, sales and strategic initiatives for global consumer brands including Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg's and Procter & Gamble.

Lee will be based in California, reporting to Suri. Accordingly, the Group Leadership would, effective as of June 30, 2017, consist of the following members: Rajeev Suri (Chairman), Basil Alwan, Hans-Juergen Bill, Kathrin Buvac, Ashish Chowdhary, Barry French, Bhaskar Gorti, Federico Guillén, Gregory Lee, Igor Leprince, Monika Maurer, Kristian Pullola, Marc Rouanne, Maria Varsellona and Marcus Weldon.

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