How Nokia's Chief People Officer Will Focus on Talent

Nokia has appointed Kristen Pressner as its next Chief People Officer and member of the Group Leadership Team to strengthen the telecommunications company's workforce capabilities during a period of technological transformation.

With over 30 years of international experience in HR, talent management and organisational transformation, Kristen is tasked with improving performance and cultural evolution towards AI. She will be based in Finland and report to Nokia's CEO Justin Hotard, effective 1 May 2026.

Strategic leadership appointment

In a statement discussing the new appointment on 10 November, Justin said: "I am thrilled to welcome Kristen to Team Nokia as we work together to build a culture of empowerment, accountability and a customer-first mindset to increase focus and improve performance across our business.

"Kristen brings a wealth of experience in driving transformation through business.

"She will lead our cultural evolution toward an AI-empowered, united team, focused on delivering for our customers and seizing the opportunities that the AI supercycle is creating for advanced and trusted connectivity."

The appointment reflects Nokia's recognition that technological transformation requires parallel evolution in organisational culture and people management practices.

Extensive HR transformation experience

After 20 years at Roche Holding Group, where her most recent position was Global Head of People and Culture for Roche Diagnostics starting in 2016, Kristen will take on her role at Nokia during what she describes as "an incredibly exciting time" at the Finnish company.

According to Nokia, she played a key role in strengthening leadership, evolving the company's operating model and shaping a culture that enables innovation and drives business impact.

During her tenure at Roche, Kristen held various roles, including Senior Director of Global Learning and Development and Group Human Resources from 2001 to 2012, and Vice President and Head of HR in EMEA between 2012 and 2016.

In a post on LinkedIn on 10 November, Kristen shared that she is "deeply grateful" to her colleagues at Roche, adding: "The last 20 years have shaped me in meaningful ways, both personally and professionally.

"It has been a place of growth, collaboration, support and purpose, and I will carry that with me in gratitude."

Prior to Roche Holding, Kristen worked for Texas Instruments in various HR leadership roles focused on driving culture and capability transformation.

People-centred AI transformation

Discussing her role at Nokia, the newly appointed CPO says: "The company is transforming for the era of AI, cloud and next-generation networks; at the centre of that transformation are its people.

"Nokia's success depends on the creativity, courage and collaboration of its teams around the world, and I'm inspired by the opportunity to play a key role in unleashing that potential.

"As a global technology leader with a remarkable heritage and a bold future, Nokia is poised to shape the next chapter of connectivity and I can't wait to be a part of that journey."

Nokia also announced on 10 November a four-year contract extension with TNN in Denmark to continue as the sole supplier of 5G radio access networks and managed services. TNN is the largest shared mobile network in Denmark, a joint venture between the telecommunications companies Norlys and Telenor.

Under this agreement, Nokia will evolve TNN's 5G network with AI and autonomous capabilities to deliver enhanced service quality, higher speeds and capacity.

Mark Atkinson, Head of Radio Access Network at Nokia, said in a statement: "This enhanced deal with TNN reflects our strong partnership and Nokia's position as a trusted technology provider delivering industry-leading 5G solutions and advanced AI and automation capabilities for enhanced operational efficiency and network quality."

This extension and the appointment of Kristen as CPO demonstrates Nokia's commitment to using AI while keeping people at the centre of its focus.