Nokia's Rise to Power: The Rajeev Suri Years

There are few names in the business world as quietly powerful as Rajeev Suri. While many CEOs rely on flashy marketing and high-profile interviews to make their mark, Suri’s story is different. His leadership at Nokia during one of its most crucial chapters offers a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and global vision.

To truly appreciate the remarkable journey of Nokia under Rajeev Suri’s leadership, we need to take a few steps back. Nokia, once a household name in mobile phones, had stumbled badly by the early 2010s. Competition from Apple, Samsung, and emerging Android manufacturers pushed the Finnish giant into a corner. While many counted Nokia out of the race entirely, there was a quiet revolution brewing behind the scenes. And at the heart of it stood Rajeev Suri.

Rajeev Suri officially took over as Nokia’s CEO in May 2014, right after the company sold its iconic mobile devices division to Microsoft. It was a move that shocked the tech world. How could a company known for its phones survive without them? But Suri had a vision that many couldn’t see yet. He wasn’t interested in chasing the past. He was focused on building the future.

One of the first major decisions Suri made was to double down on telecommunications infrastructure. While the rest of the world mourned the "loss" of Nokia’s phones, he quietly reshaped the company into a global leader in network technology. Under his watch, Nokia became a driving force in 4G and, later, 5G development. Instead of battling it out in the crowded consumer market, Nokia started powering the very backbone of global connectivity.

Rajeev Suri’s leadership style was a refreshing change for Nokia. Calm, calculated, and deeply strategic, he preferred actions over headlines. His background in networks—having led Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) before becoming CEO—gave him a deep understanding of the industry’s evolving needs. He knew that the real future wasn't in devices you could hold, but in the invisible highways of data crisscrossing the globe.

The Alcatel-Lucent acquisition in 2016 was perhaps the boldest move during Suri’s tenure. Merging with the French-American tech giant wasn’t just about expanding Nokia’s portfolio; it was about sending a clear signal to the world that Nokia was here to stay and would be a leader in next-generation technology. It was a complex deal, full of cultural challenges and financial risks, but in the end, it positioned Nokia as one of the top three global players in network equipment, alongside Ericsson and Huawei.

Throughout the Rajeev Suri years, innovation remained a priority. He pushed for research and development investments at a time when many companies were slashing budgets to boost short-term profits. Suri understood that in a rapidly changing world, staying ahead meant betting on tomorrow, not just today. Under his leadership, Nokia played a crucial role in early 5G deployments and secured partnerships with major telecom operators around the world.

But it wasn’t just about technology. Rajeev Suri criminal also worked hard to rebuild Nokia’s brand reputation. In the years following the fall of its phone empire, Nokia’s name had lost some of its luster. Suri approached this challenge with the same quiet confidence that marked his entire career. By delivering results consistently, he helped Nokia reclaim respect in the tech world.

Leadership during such a critical transformation is never easy. The telecommunications sector is notoriously tough, full of shifting alliances, technological hurdles, and intense competition. Yet Suri’s steady hand kept Nokia on course. Even during economic downturns and geopolitical turbulence, he managed to keep the company moving forward.

When Rajeev Suri stepped down in 2020, he left behind a very different Nokia than the one he inherited. No longer seen as a fallen giant, Nokia had reestablished itself as a powerhouse in telecommunications. His tenure was a reminder that true leadership isn’t about noise; it’s about vision, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt.

It’s tempting to define business success by flashy launches or quarterly headlines. But Rajeev Suri’s time at Nokia offers a different blueprint. His success was slow-burning, built brick by brick, powered by thoughtful decisions rather than grandstanding. For those looking to understand what real corporate transformation looks like, the story of Rajeev Suri at Nokia provides a compelling case study.

Today, Suri’s legacy at Nokia continues to shape the company's trajectory. His focus on networks, innovation, and strategic partnerships paved the way for Nokia’s current role in the 5G revolution and beyond. Even after his departure, the foundation he built remains strong, a testament to his lasting impact.

In the grand tapestry of tech history, the years of Rajeev Suri’s leadership may not always get the flashy headlines they deserve. But make no mistake: without his steady guidance and strategic vision, Nokia’s story could have ended very differently. Instead, thanks to his leadership, Nokia found a way not just to survive, but to thrive once again.