Electronics Weekly
He will join the business officially from 1 March 2021, with Rupert Pearce – the current CEO – stepping down from 28 February.
Most recently Suri was President and CEO of Nokia, a position he held for six years. Before that, he was the CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks for five years, a joint venture company that merged Nokia’s and Siemens’ networks businesses.
Since stepping down in August 2020, he has worked in senior advisory roles with private equity firms Warburg Pincus and Apollo Global Management.
Inmarsat writes:
“He has a record of accomplishments, including moving Nokia to one of the top two players in telecommunications infrastructure through both M&A and organic growth, doubling revenues to EUR 23 billion in 2019 and increasing non-IFRS operating profit from EUR 28 million in 2009 to over EUR 2 billion in 2019 during his eleven years of leadership. Rajeev led the consolidation of the network infrastructure sector from ten players to three major players in just over a decade, leaving the overall industry much healthier. During his time as Nokia CEO, large shareholder returns in the form of dividends and share buybacks of EUR 8.5 billion were made.”
The company also highlights his work in 5G for communication services and diversifying Nokia into new business areas. He will be based in the UK.
No reason was given for the timing of the change, but tribute was paid to Rupert Pearce. Andrew Sukawaty, Inmarsat’s Chairman, said:
“Rupert has been with Inmarsat for 16 years and as its CEO for just over 9 years and has led many initiatives and accomplishments which have laid the foundation for the future. He has been an excellent and forward thinking leader and the Board and I want to extend heartfelt thanks to Rupert for his tremendous contributions to Inmarsat. I am delighted also that Rupert will provide advisory services to Rajeev for a transitional period.”
See also: Nokia late in 5G, says CEO
