Nokia unifies and strengthens its company-wide design organization

Nokia today announced it will strengthen its multidisciplinary design unit by forming a single company-wide design organization. The new global team will be responsible for the entire design process, from strategy and conceptualization to product development, for Nokia's complete portfolio of devices.

This change will ensure Nokia is well-positioned to meet the future needs of its customers by offering industry-leading design and a superior user experience. The global unit combines teams in industrial design, user interface and interaction design, ergonomics, communications design, packaging design, colors & materials, sensorial technologies, consumer insight and design management.

Commenting on the changes, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Nokia President and Chief Operating Officer, said: "Design is at the core of Nokia's heritage and has contributed strongly to our position as the leading brand in the world of mobility. This new organization will strengthen our ability to design innovative and industry-leading products. Our talented design team is focused on driving exciting new trends and meeting the future needs of Nokia's customers."

Nokia also announced that its current head of design, Frank Nuovo, has decided to pursue his own design interests after more than 16 years with the company and over a decade as its design head. Mr. Nuovo will remain in the position until April 1, 2006, after which he will continue as Principal Designer for Vertu, Nokia's luxury brand, and will also work with Nokia in a consulting role.

Effective April 1, 2006, new Nokia Head of Design will be Alastair Curtis, currently responsible for design at Nokia's Mobile Phones business group. Mr. Curtis, who joined Nokia in 1993, has a strong track record in bringing many award-winning designs to market.

Speaking about the new design organization, Mr. Curtis said: "Having a multidisciplinary global team will enhance our ability to combine great user experience design with the latest technology, to create a world-class portfolio for consumers. Ease-of-use and style will continue to be central to our design work and the Nokia brand."

Speaking on the leadership transition, Mr. Nuovo said: "Nokia has been a tremendous experience. I have been very fortunate to have participated in the creation of historically significant advances in the merging of technology with human-centered design. Working with the fabulous talent of Nokia both in design and all the other disciplines has been a rewarding journey. Now I very much look forward to amplifying my own creative capacity while working closely with the exclusive Vertu team."