Bangalore: Stephen Elop, CEO and President of Nokia steps down as the EVP of devices and services business, since the handset business of Finnish tech giant is getting acquired by Microsoft. Risto Siilasmaa, the Chairman of Nokia Board of Directors will be temporarily taking up the CEO position.

Nokia has broke the news with an official statement that read, “To avoid the perception of any potential conflict of interest between now and the pending closure of the transaction, Stephen Elop will step aside as President and CEO of Nokia Corporation, resign from the Board of Directors, and will become Executive Vice President, Devices & Services”

Meanwhile, Marko Ahtisaari, head of design, is leaving the company. He is stepping down from the Nokia leadership team and his position as Executive Vice President, Design, effective from November 1. However he will continue his position till his term ends on November 30. Once Ahtisaari moves out, Stefan Pannenbecker will head the design team reporting under Elop.

There were also reports on Elop being considered to the position of Microsoft’s next CEO after Steve Ballmer. Ballmer on last week had announced about his retirement in 12 months.

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