Nokia Taps Intel's AI Executive As New CEO - Details

Nokia Corporation, a global leader in telecommunications, has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Justin Hotard as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Hotard, who currently serves as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Data Center & AI Group at Intel, will assume his new role at Nokia on April 1, 2025. This strategic move comes as the company's current CEO, Pekka Lundmark, steps down after leading Nokia since 2020.



Hotard's extensive experience in the AI and data center markets, coupled with his proven track record of driving innovation and revenue growth, makes him an ideal fit for Nokia's future growth trajectory. Sari Baldauf, Chair of Nokia's Board of Directors, praised Hotard's strategic insight, vision, leadership, and value creation mindset, highlighting his ability to accelerate growth in technology companies. Hotard, in turn, expressed his excitement about leading Nokia, a global leader in connectivity with a unique heritage in technology, and his commitment to continuing the company's transformation journey.

Under Lundmark's tenure, Nokia has made significant strides in re-establishing its technology leadership in 5G radio networks and building a strong position in cloud-native core networks. The company has also secured the longevity of its patent licensing business and built strong foundations in new growth areas, such as data centers, private wireless, and industrial edge. Lundmark's decision to step down comes as Nokia's repositioning of the business is in a more advanced stage, and a suitable successor has been identified.



Hotard's appointment is expected to have a positive impact on Nokia's ongoing transformation journey, particularly in areas like data centers, private wireless, and industrial edge. His expertise in AI and data centers aligns perfectly with Nokia's strategic focus on these critical areas for future growth. As the new CEO, Hotard is likely to build on the progress made under Lundmark's leadership and drive initiatives that leverage his expertise to maximize Nokia's potential for growth and value creation.

In conclusion, Nokia's appointment of Justin Hotard as the new CEO is a strategic move that positions the company well for continued growth and success in the competitive telecommunications landscape. Hotard's extensive experience in AI and data centers, combined with Nokia's progress under Lundmark's tenure, sets the stage for a promising future for the global connectivity leader.