Nokia CEO: President Ala-Pietila Didn't Want CEO Role

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- Nokia Corp. (NOK) Chief Executive Jorma Ollila Monday said the company's president, Pekka Ala-Pietila, asked not to be considered to replace him at the Finnish mobile-phone manufacturer.

Nokia earlier Monday said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, the head of its mobile-phone division, would replace Ollila as CEO in June 2006.

The appointment ended months of speculation as to who would replace Ollila, who will become non-executive chairman from next June.

Company-watchers considered Ala-Pietila to be in the running for the job but he has instead said he will leave Nokia in 2006.

Speaking at a press conference in Finland, Ollila said Ala-Pietila asked not to be considered for the CEO job.

Ala-Pietila told reporters that after 17 years in the industry, he lacked "the fire" to take the CEO job at the world's largest mobile-phone-maker.

He said he has decided to exit eventually from the mobile-phone industry, saying he would be Nokia non-executive chairman for a "limited number of years" only.

Kallasvuo, speaking publicly for the first time since Nokia announced he would become CEO in 2006, said it is important that the company maintains its position as a technology leader.

"Nokia need to lead the change and not be a follower. We cannot stay on the sidelines...I very much look forward to leading that change," he said.

Ollila said that it was important for the company to appoint experienced people at the top of the company, but also to combine that with "new blood."

He said Kallasvou's replacement as head of mobile phones, as well as a new chief marketing officer, will be announced in due course.

Company Web site: http://www.nokia.com

-By Nic Fildes, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-78429264; nicolas.fildes@dowjones.com (Terry Roth in Stockholm contributed to this report.)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires "

Posted to the site on 1st August 2005