Nokia appointed Justin Hotard, a tech industry expert in data centers and AI, as its next CEO, in a move that reinforces the company’s ambition to expand into new growth areas.

Justin Hotard, who will take up the position on April 1, is currently the executive vice president and general manager of Data Center & AI Group at Intel, according to the chipmaker's website.

Nokia’s CEO Pekka Lundmark will step down on March 31, 2024, to pursue new opportunities. Justin Hotard from Intel will succeed him on April 1, aiming to drive Nokia’s growth in data centers and AI, critical to the company’s future strategy.