In a significant organizational restructuring, Nokia has appointed Tarun Chhabra as the new head of Nokia India, effective April 2024. Chhabra, who previously held the position of head of mobile networks and senior vice president at Nokia, succeeds Sanjay Malik. Malik, who has been pivotal in leading Nokia’s operations in the Indian market for nearly eight years, will retire on March 31, 2024, ensuring a smooth transition of his responsibilities to Chhabra until that time.
This leadership change is part of Nokia’s global restructuring initiative announced in October last year, aiming to cut between 11,000 and 14,000 jobs worldwide as the company seeks to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in the face of current market uncertainties. The restructuring includes strategic and operational adjustments, focusing on resetting its cost base to navigate market challenges effectively. The move reflects Nokia’s strategy for sustainable long-term growth by adapting its workforce and operations to the evolving business landscape.
Despite Nokia India’s strong financial performance last year, the company has faced challenges due to a slowdown in the deployment of 5G technology by Indian telecommunications companies. This slowdown has significantly impacted the company’s net sales in the Indian region, which saw a 33 per cent decline in October-December 2023. In response to these challenges and as part of its broader global restructuring effort, Nokia has begun implementing job cuts across various functions within the company, including customer experience, sales, and marketing departments. The exact number of layoffs in India has not been disclosed, but affected employees are being offered severance packages as they transition out of the company.
Nokia’s restructuring and leadership changes in India align with its global customer-centricity and business excellence guidelines. As the company navigates through these transitions, it aims to maintain its commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction while positioning itself for future growth and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.
