HMD Global appoints ex-Nokia, Rovio executive as CMO

HMD recently hired Pekka Rantala, a Nokia veteran and most recently the CEO to Rovivo (maker of the popular game Angry Birds) as its Chief Marketing Officer. Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global, said, “We know people around the world are excited about a new wave of Nokia phones, and we are working hard to create a handsome range of Nokia-branded devices that people will love”.

HMD, which is now run by fellow Nokia vet Arto Nummela, has yet to offer more specificity on its mobile plan of attack.

It is also believed that HMD Global will launch 2 basic smartphones alongside the two flagships.

Rumours earlier in the year spoke of two devices, 5.2 and 5.5-inches, both with QHD displays.

Now HMD Global will design, produce and sell a new line of Nokia-branded tablets and smartphones under a deal with Nokia Technologies, whose main business is selling high-speed broadband hardware to telecom companies. Microsoft has largely abandoned the business it bought from Nokia, from the moment it was acquired.

Nokia has confirmed that it will be releasing 3 to 4 new products by the end of this year.

Nokia-branded Android devices are another step closer to reality. The newly formed company is now in charge of designing the devices, while Foxconn is manufacturing it.

According to the agreement, Nokia has provided HMD with exclusive brand rights and intellectual property licensing in exchange for royalties that come in from sales. However, it could not keep up the pace with the changing face of the smartphone industry, and lost its position to the likes of Apple and Samsung.

We’re looking forward to seeing how the Nokia brand blends with Android, but the prospect holds great promise. “Nokia is a globally recognized brand, and we have a chance to rejuvenate it like never before”, Rantala told CNET. We know people around the world are excited about a new wave of Nokia phones, and we are working hard to create a attractive range of Nokia-branded devices that people will love.