Nokia appoints new executive VP of design


27 Jan 2012

Marko Ahtisaari, Nokia's executive vice-president, design

Smartphone maker Nokia has added a new member to its executive leadership team: Marko Ahtisaari has been appointed Nokia’s executive vice-president, design, effective 1 February.

Ahtisaari will report to president and CEO Stephen Elop.

“One of the key differentiators of Nokia is the elegant and head-turning design of our products,” said Elop.

“As we have charted our new course, Marko Ahtisaari has ensured that we elevate the importance of distinctive design, which is evident in the industry’s response to our award-winning Lumia and Asha products. By appointing Marko to the Nokia Leadership Team, we believe his influence will ensure that design leadership becomes part of everything we make and also everything we do.”

In his new role, Ahtisaari will continue to lead the Nokia design team, responsible for the industrial design and user experience design of all Nokia products. He has lead the team since 2009, during which time Nokia Design has created handsets such as the Nokia N9, the Nokia Lumia 800 and the Nokia Lumia 900.

Ahtisaari has been an entrepreneur and CEO and co-founder of Dopplr, a social network for international travellers. He has also been head of Brand and Design at Blyk, an advertising-funded mobile network.

Prior to his job at Blyk, Ahtisaari was director of Design Strategy at Nokia, and held roles in corporate strategy and venturing.

Ahtisaari was also a fellow of the faculty and lecturer at the Graduate School of Arts and Science at Columbia University, and serves on the board of directors of Artek and WITNESS.

He is also a composer and professional musician.