Nokia appoints new chief marketing officer amid restructure

The move forms part of a major restructure at the global mobile phone, MP3 and camera maker, which resulted in 1,700 jobs being axed over the past 12 months. 

DeVard will be joining Nokia’s group executive board from 1 January 2011, responsible for bringing together Nokia’s marketing, brand management, communications and selected industry collaboration activities.

She will report to Niklas Savander, executive vice president and head of Nokia's markets unit.

She brings more than 25 years of marketing experience across leading consumer brands, including Verizon, Citigroup, Revlon, Harrah's Entertainment and the Pillsbury Company. 

Her expertise encompasses brand management and multi-cultural marketing, with a strong foundation on direct marketing and e-commerce. 

More recently, DeVard provided counsel and experience in fund-raising efforts as part of the Barack Obama presidential campaign.  

Stephen Elop, chief executive of Nokia, said, "I am delighted to welcome Jerri to the Nokia team. Her experience and proven track record from a wide range of consumer businesses will be a great boost to increasing consumer focus and will bring fresh thinking as we strive for a clearer value proposition for our consumers and continue to build the Nokia brand."

This article was first published on marketingmagazine.co.uk.