Nokia Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Pekka Lundmark Steps Down, Justin Hotard Appointed as Successor

In a major development within Nokia, the company has announced a leadership transition with Pekka Lundmark stepping down as CEO, effective immediately. Justin Hotard, who has been with Nokia for over 20 years, has been appointed as the new CEO. This transition comes at a crucial time for the company, which is currently navigating the complexities of the telecommunications market. Pekka Lundmark, who has led the company since August 2020, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the company during his tenure. ‘We have made significant progress in transforming Nokia into a competitive force in the 5G market, and I am confident that Justin will continue this momentum,’ Lundmark stated. Justin Hotard, formerly the head of Nokia’s Cloud and Network Services, is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the role. His appointment was described by Lundmark as pivotal in furthering Nokia’s strategic goals. In addition to these changes, the transition aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its organizational structure and respond effectively to market demands. Hotard will officially take over the role as the company prepares for its next quarterly earnings report, set for announcement on March 14, 2025. Analysts are watching closely to assess how these leadership changes will impact Nokia’s strategy and performance moving forward.