A changed world

When I joined the communications industry in 1982, around 350 million households had fixed lines, and mobility essentially didn’t exist (it would be another year before Illinois Bell opened the first commercial cellular system in the US). Today, the joy of communications is no longer limited to the privileged few. Fixed and mobile broadband is almost everywhere, and it’s getting better and faster all the time. More than 4 billion people around the world are connected to networks, most of them mobile, and innovation sits at the center of the industry’s DNA.

My time in the sector has been both joyful and fulfilling: joyful, because of the many wonderful people, cultures and places I’ve had the pleasure to work with and experience over the years; and fulfilling because I’ve been part of an industry that has re-shaped the way people live, work and play. Indeed, on the latter point, I’ve often noted that the transformational and historic impact our sector has had on society is akin to the industrial revolution or other major developments such as the arrival of electricity, the automobile or airplane. What a privilege to have been part of such an undertaking, and I would like to thank everyone for making my time in the sector, and most recently as CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks, such a fantastic experience.

The merger to create Nokia Siemens Networks was not easy, but it was a rare success in the history of high-tech mergers. I am proud to see the new company that has emerged from Nokia Networks and Siemens Com. There is still much to do as we seek to help our operator customers create greater value for their subscribers. Over the years, I have received tremendous support from my family and the time has finally come to pay that back. I am therefore stepping aside from Nokia Siemens Networks and passing the reins to my friend and colleague, Rajeev Suri.

Rajeev is one of those rare leaders who is able to crystallize a vision and then turn it into reality. The global economy, telecoms market, and competitive landscape will not offer much help. But in adversity there is opportunity, and with the continuing support of the great team at Nokia Siemens Networks, I know that Rajeev will bring about new levels of support for you, our customers, partnering with you to explore new opportunities and continue the great progress we have seen in our industry. There is much to look forward to and I wish all of you much success.