Rantala takes charge of Nokia global marketing

ESPOO - Pekka Rantala will become overall head of Nokia's global marketing operations, following the handset giant's announcement of a new company structure.

The development comes in the midst of Nokia’s US$300 million global advertising review, which is being led by current Nokia global SVP of mobile marketing, Jo Harlow. Harlow confirmed that her exact designation within the new structure had yet to be assigned, but dismissed speculation that she may leave Nokia.

“People may interpret (Rantala’s promotion) as meaning I’m out,” she said. “It’s unfortunate but not true. I have no intention of leaving.”

Rantala, currently head of Nokia Europe, will sit within the newly- created markets unit, which integrates Nokia’s supply chains, sales channels and marketing activities into one division, headed by Anssi Vanjoki.

Nokia is also creating two other business units – devices, and services & software – along with a chief development office aimed at supporting integration across all units.