Nokia, the Finnish telecom giant, is undergoing a significant organisational restructuring in India, which includes the elimination of approximately 250 jobs across key roles such as CFO, CTO, and legal affairs head. The move aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline business operations in the country. Nokia India currently employs around 17,000 people across various functions.
As part of the restructuring, Tarun Chhabra has been appointed as the new Country Manager for India, succeeding Sanjay Malik, who is set to retire on March 31. Chhabra, who has extensive experience in sales, pre-sales, business development, and operations, will continue his role as the head of mobile networks market India in addition to assuming the responsibilities of the India country manager.
In October 2023, Nokia announced plans to reduce its cost base and optimise operations, with the goal of transitioning to a workforce of 72,000 to 77,000 employees, down from the previous count of 86,000. This decision came amidst market uncertainties and a decline in third-quarter earnings, prompting Nokia’s President and CEO, Pekka Lundmark, to emphasise the necessity of resetting the cost-base to ensure long-term profitability and competitiveness.
Commenting on his new role, Chhabra expressed his commitment to leveraging Nokia’s leading technology portfolio to benefit customers in the Indian market, especially at a time when technology plays an increasingly critical role in various aspects of society and business operations.
Chhabra’s appointment reflects Nokia’s strategic shift in its operational model, which was announced in October 2023. The restructuring underscores Nokia’s determination to adapt to evolving market dynamics and maintain its position as a leader in the telecommunications industry.
