Rajeev Suri : In the world of business and leadership, certain individuals stand out as beacons of inspiration and transformation. Rajeev Suri, born on October 10, 1967, in New Delhi, India, is one such visionary leader whose journey has left an indelible mark on the global tech industry. From his early beginnings to his pivotal roles at Nokia and Inmarsat, Rajeev Suri’s story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and unwavering dedication.
Rajeev Suri’s Early Life: Nurturing Ambition
Rajeev’s story begins in New Delhi, India, where he was born and later raised in Kuwait. With a Bachelor’s degree in engineering (electronics and communications) from the Manipal Institute of Technology, he laid the foundation for his future in the tech world. This ambitious young man was destined for greatness, and his journey was about to take flight.
A Global Odyssey: Rajeev Suri’s Career Path
Rajeev’s career is a testament to his global mindset and diverse experiences. With over two decades of international exposure, he ventured into roles encompassing strategy, M&A, product marketing, sales, and major account leadership. His career journey took him across continents, living and working in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe, gaining a wealth of insights and experiences.
In 1995, Rajeev embarked on a career-defining chapter when he joined Nokia. His leadership abilities soon became evident as he climbed the corporate ladder. Notably, he followed in the footsteps of Simon Beresford-Wylie, becoming the CEO of Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) in October 2009, after the merger of Nokia Networks and Siemens Networks.
Rajeev’s reputation as a ‘turnaround specialist’ in the global tech arena was well-earned. In November 2011, he made a bold announcement, outlining plans to streamline NSN by eliminating 17,000 jobs. This strategic move paved the way for the company to refocus on mobile broadband equipment, the fastest-growing market segment. Rajeev’s vision and decisive actions were steering NSN towards a brighter future.
Nokia’s Transformation Under Rajeev Suri
In April 2014, Rajeev Suri assumed the role of CEO at Nokia, marking a significant turning point for the company. This appointment came on the heels of Nokia’s repurchase of full control of NSN and the sale of its phone division to Microsoft Mobile. Rajeev was now at the helm of one of the most iconic tech companies in the world, becoming only the second non-Finnish CEO of Nokia after Stephen Elop.
Under Rajeev’s visionary leadership, Nokia underwent a profound transformation. He spearheaded the acquisition of major players in the industry, including Siemens, Motorola, and Alcatel-Lucent, which included the renowned Bell Labs. This strategic expansion positioned Nokia as a leader in the 5G-connected world and the burgeoning digitalization and automation landscape.
Rajeev’s leadership was not confined to the traditional telecom sector. He successfully led Nokia’s foray into enterprise vertical markets, created a world-leading standalone telecom software business, and orchestrated the triumphant return of the Nokia brand to mobile phones. His impact resonated across the industry.
A New Chapter: Rajeev Suri at Inmarsat
In March 2020, Rajeev announced his departure from Nokia, passing the torch to Pekka Lundmark in August of that year. However, Rajeev’s journey was far from over. On February 24, 2021, he assumed the role of CEO at Inmarsat, succeeding Rupert Pearce. This new chapter marked another exciting phase in his career, where he would bring his expertise to the realm of satellite communications.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond his remarkable career, Rajeev Suri’s personal life reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. He divides his time between Singapore and London, and he is married to Nina Alag Suri, the founder and CEO of the Singaporean startup X0pa.ai. Together, they have two sons, Ankit and Anish.
Rajeev Suri & His Dedication
Rajeev’s dedication extends beyond the boardroom. He served as a Commissioner of the United Nations Broadband Commission, co-chaired the digitalization task force for the B20, and was a member of various digital and healthcare committees at the World Economic Forum. He was also a member of the Chinese Premier’s Global CEO Council and received China’s prestigious Marco Polo award for his contributions to international business.
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