Nokia India to cut 250 jobs Amidst Restructuring, Tarun Chhabra Appointed as New Country Manager
February 22, 2024
In a bid to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, Nokia India has announced significant job cuts, affecting approximately 250 employees. This decision comes as part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at optimizing costs and adapting to evolving market dynamics. Alongside this announcement, Nokia has appointed Tarun Chhabra as the new Country Manager for India, succeeding Sanjay Malik, who is set to retire on March 31.
Nokia, the Finnish telecom giant, is undergoing organizational changes in India, intending to eliminate roles such as CFO, CTO, and legal affairs head while establishing three distinct business groups. With a workforce of around 17,000 Nokia India employees across various functions in India, this Nokia is restructuring reflects Nokia’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and realigning its resources.
The decision to downsize follows Nokia’s previous initiative in October 2023, where it aimed to recalibrate its cost base and improve operational effectiveness. The restructuring program is anticipated to result in a streamlined organization comprising 72,000 to 77,000 employees, down from the current 86,000. Pekka Lundmark, President, and CEO of Nokia, emphasized the necessity of such measures to navigate market uncertainties and ensure long-term profitability and competitiveness.
Expressing his views on the appointment, Tarun Chhabra as the new Country Manager, highlighted the significance of the Indian market for Nokia and expressed his commitment to leveraging Nokia’s cutting-edge technology to benefit customers across the country. Chhabra brings over three decades of diverse leadership experience in sales, pre-sales, business development, and operations from reputable firms including Nokia, Siemens, and Motorola, aligning well with Nokia’s strategic objectives in India.
Chhabra’s appointment signifies a new phase for Nokia in India, with the role of Country Manager being redefined as part of the company’s revamped operational model introduced in October 2023. Prior to his new role, Chhabra served as the Senior Vice President and Head of Mobile Networks India at Nokia, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Indian telecommunications landscape.
Sanjay Malik, the outgoing Country Manager, leaves behind a legacy of eight years of leadership within Nokia’s Indian operations, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s market presence. Malik’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping Nokia’s engagement with its Indian clientele and navigating the complexities of the local market.
As Nokia embarks on this transformative journey, it remains committed to supporting its Nokia India employees affected by the restructuring process while fortifying its position as a leading provider of telecommunications solutions in India and beyond. With Tarun Chhabra at the helm, Nokia is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of the Indian telecommunications sector and drive innovation to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
This move comes as part of Nokia’s broader global restructuring plan, Nokia is restructuring aims to reduce its workforce by 11,000 to 14,000 employees worldwide. As the company adapts to emerging market trends and technological advancements, it remains focused on delivering value to its stakeholders while ensuring sustainable growth in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Nokia India to cut 250 jobs and Restructuring
Q: Why is Nokia India cutting jobs and undergoing restructuring?
A: Nokia India has announced significant job cuts, affecting approximately 250 employees, as part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing costs. This decision comes amidst the company’s efforts to adapt to evolving market dynamics and ensure long-term profitability and competitiveness.
Q: How many employees will be affected by the job cuts?
A: Around 250 employees in Nokia India are expected to be affected by the job cuts. However, the restructuring program globally aims to reduce the workforce by 11,000 to 14,000 employees, resulting in a streamlined organization comprising 72,000 to 77,000 employees, down from the current 86,000.
Q: What roles will be eliminated in Nokia India’s restructuring?
A: Nokia India intends to eliminate key job profiles such as CFO, CTO, and legal affairs head as part of its restructuring plan. The company is also establishing three distinct business groups to realign its resources effectively.
Q: Who has been appointed as the new Country Manager for Nokia India?
A: Tarun Chhabra has been appointed as the new Country Manager for Nokia India, succeeding Sanjay Malik, who is set to retire on March 31. Chhabra brings over three decades of diverse leadership experience in sales, pre-sales, business development, and operations from reputable firms including Nokia, Siemens, and Motorola.
Q: What is the significance of Tarun Chhabra’s appointment?
A: Tarun Chhabra’s appointment signifies a new phase for Nokia in India. With his extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of the Indian telecommunications landscape, Chhabra is well-positioned to drive Nokia’s strategic objectives in India and navigate the evolving market dynamics effectively.
Q: How will Nokia support employees affected by the restructuring process?
A: Nokia remains committed to supporting its employees affected by the restructuring process. The company will provide necessary assistance, including severance packages and career transition support, to help affected employees transition smoothly.
Q: What is Nokia’s broader global restructuring plan?
A: Nokia’s broader global restructuring plan aims to reduce its workforce by 11,000 to 14,000 employees worldwide. This initiative is part of the company’s efforts to recalibrate its cost base, improve operational effectiveness, and adapt to emerging market trends and technological advancements while ensuring sustainable growth in the long run.
Q: How does Nokia plan to navigate the evolving telecommunications sector in India?
A: With Tarun Chhabra at the helm as the new Country Manager, Nokia is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of the Indian telecommunications sector effectively. The company remains committed to leveraging its cutting-edge technology and driving innovation to meet the evolving needs of its customers in India and beyond.