Nokia Siemens Networks appoints new COO

Global enabler of telecommunications and mobile broadband, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has appointed Samih Elhage as the company’s chief operations officer, taking up the role as of next week (19 March 2012).

The position has been specifically created for Elhage to lead NSN’s global operations organization, and other management roles dealing with the mode of operations and business performance.

“Samih brings a great deal of telecommunications, operations, business transformation and management experience to our new role of chief operating officer,” said NSN CEO, Rajeev Suri.

“With our strategy clearly defined and restructuring underway, I am particularly pleased to have Samih join us to focus on driving operational excellence as well as improving our overall mode of operations.”

NSN’s Herbert Merz had previously led both the global operations and optical networks departments, but will now focus solely on the optical business.

In his new position, Elhage will also be a part of NSN’s executive board.

“Joining Nokia Siemens Networks at this critical juncture in its transformation is a tremendous opportunity, and I am excited to be part of one of the leading teams in the most important sector of telecoms today: mobile broadband,” said Elhage.